Dogs and Cows said:
What is with this unhealthy infatuation with cattle in Kentucky? LOL
Kentucky has a lot of cattle, they have the largest inventory of any state east of the Mississippi, and they have nearly the worst reputation for quality. Go figure!
As for what sells heifers in Kentucky? Of course, my comments will inflame many in the state, but I would be VERY cautious buying heifers in Kentucky. Most producers have a very vague idea of pedigree, epds, and maternal traits.
We have bought a few heifers over the years from Stone Gate, which I've said before has a very good maternal program with an above average amount of Pathfinder dams in their herd, but with that said, they cannot supply the entire state with replacement heifers. Boyd's has nice heifers if you have deep pockets, and you get what you pay for with them. I'm not as familiar with producers in the western part of the state, which I'm sure there are some reputable breeders down there.
My best advice would be to look VERY closely at the pedigree and epds if possible, look at the dams, and their feet, do they have any cows past 8-10 years old working in the herd, and in good condition, what do you know about the sire?. Foot quality is NOT on the top of the list of many producers, and they are light years away from breeding for better foot quality here in my opinion.
Cheap heifers are like buying cheap shoes or cheap tires, they wear out quickly. If that's your goal, great, stick to it, if not, your gals are what dictate your future in the cattle business, choose wisely.
As a reference point, here is a heifer we have bred to Bubs Southern Charm. She is a Eurotia heifer and direct, DNA proven daughter of Hoover Dam. There are multiple Pathfinders in her pedigree. She is not for sale, but if she were, it would take $5k have her, open at that. Our SAV President and Raindance daughters will be in the $8-15K range. SAV Elation daughters, probably not for sale.