Kerry Barling

Kerry Barling, Shorthorn cattle, Frankfort, KY, is based in the Bluegrass region near Lexington. The operation follows a pasture-first philosophy with managed grazing rotations, seasonal forage diversity, and open-sided barns with deep bedding and clean water access. All breeding animals undergo annual veterinary checks for reproductive soundness, routine vaccinations, and genetic screening for common breed-specific conditions.

Calves remain with their dams through weaning to support natural growth, stronger immunity, and social development in herd settings. Marbling qualities and feed efficiency are priorities when selecting stock, ensuring balanced weight gain and meat quality for beef operations of various scales. Animals graze diverse forage mixes designed by season to optimize nutrient intake and promote steady weight gain over the grazing period. Emphasis on low-stress handling ensures calm temperament under diverse environmental conditions and ease of management in pasture settings. These characteristics make the herd a practical choice for small and mid-scale farms seeking reliable performance in varied pasture environments.