FRANKFORT, Ky. – The 2026 Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo, March 6-8 in Frankfort, finished with more than $940,000 in total sales in the 40th edition of the event at the Kentucky Exposition Center, according to officials. 

Total sales in 2026 were $942,300 – a $239,763 increase over last year’s sales. The average sale per lot also increased from $3,369 last year to $4,706 this year – a difference of $1,337, officials said. 

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said in a March 12 media statement that although the show saw an increase in total sales and average lot sales, the number of lots sold decreased by 10 from last year to 198 this year, in line with a nationwide decrease in cattle inventory. But he added the smaller inventory created strong cattle prices for producers.

He said the latest numbers show cattle and calves are Kentucky’s number one commodity, bringing in more than $1 billion in agricultural cash receipts. 

“As the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo showcases the importance of this industry,” he said. “Although the number of lot sales were down, we are excited to see average sale prices on the rise, showing the resiliency and strength of this agricultural sector.”

Currently, there are 11 breed shows and sales including Angus, Beefalo, Charolais, Chiangus, Limousin, Polled Hereford, Red Angus, Red Poll, Salers, Shorthorn and Simmental, according to officials.

This year, Angus cattle brought an average of $5,983 per lot to lead all breeds. The sale topper was a $40,000 Angus female from Circle M Farms in Rockwall, Texas. The Beef Expo welcomed cattle from 12 states, including Kentucky, and six breeds this year. In the junior show, 409 cattle from eight states passed through the show ring, including 189 from Kentucky. 

The 2026 Beef Expo’s main sponsors were Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Fran McCall, Kentucky Farm Bureau commodity specialist, told Farm World the Kentucky Beef Expo traces its roots to the Kentucky Angus Sweepstakes, which began in 1947 as a way for Angus breeders to come together and promote and market cattle. 

“Over time, additional breeds began holding their own sales, and as the industry evolved, leaders saw the value in combining those efforts into one larger event,” she said. “That led to the creation of the Kentucky Beef Expo in 1986.”

She said the Expo has long been important to Kentucky’s beef industry because it provides a central place for breeders, buyers and cattle enthusiasts to gather, compare cattle across breeds, and market purebred livestock.

“It has also grown into more than just a sale, offering youth and educational opportunities such as the 4-H and FFA Cattle Judging Contest, trade show, and Junior Jackpot Steer and Heifer Show,” she said. “The goal has always been to create a stronger, more exciting event for buyers and sellers, while showcasing Kentucky’s beef cattle industry.”

She said producers interested in selling at the Expo work through the respective sale managers for each breed sale: “Those managers handle consignments, oversee the catalog, coordinate the show and sale, work with the Beef Expo board and Kentucky Department of Agriculture staff, and manage the logistics of each sale.”

The Kentucky Beef Expo board includes two representatives from each breed, two representatives from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and one representative from the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, she said: “The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has supported the Expo since its beginning, both financially and through staff involvement.” 

She said one unique aspect of the event is the Commonwealth’s support through KRS 302 KAR 15:030, a regulation relating to beef cattle shows and sales, which helps fund breed show premiums, as well as advertising and catalog preparation.

Premiums: Each breed show receives $4,000 from the state (KRS 302 KAR 15-030). These funds must be matched by the respective breed association (typically via entry fees), totaling $8,000 in premiums awarded.

Advertising/Catalog: An additional $2,000 is available for each breed to reimburse costs for advertising and catalog preparation.

Matching Requirement: Breed associations are required to match their state appropriation on a dollar-for-dollar basis.