Two experiments were conducted to improve stocker cattle performance and examine the impact of extension programming in Georgia. Experiment 1 studied the impact of sodium butyrate supplementation on stocker cattle performance in response to stress associated with long-distance transportation. Supplementation of exogenous sodium butyrate did not have an effect on average daily gain (ADG) after transportation in any treatment group. No treatment effect on the volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles was observed between groups. Experiment 2 measured the impact of the Northeast Georgia Beef Cattle Short Course through a survey. Respondents indicated that the course has added $1,545,316.64 in value to the state beef industry since its inception in 2012. Continuing to offer the course allows for further improvement of beef cattle production in Georgia.