Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Forages
Forage production and management are key to low cost cattle production. This agent worked with Dr. Chris Teutsch, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment Forage Specialist to demonstrate the utilization of warm season annuals and perennials. That demonstration showed producers that they could increase both stocking rates and weight gain in their beef herd. A field day was utilized to highlight the demonstration and to provide beef cattle producers information tha
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Forages
Forage management is an important skill for Butler County farmers. A large percentage of Butler County’s 150,000 acres of farmland is used for forage production. The program focused on forage and farm management. There was a winter feeding are demonstration, a discussion on using poultry litter in a forage production system, a talk on farming on sensitive areas like reclaimed coal mine sites, a demonstration on warm season annuals, and a presentation on the Kentucky Ag. W
Author: Robert Amburgey
Major Program: Forages
The winter and spring of 2019 did a tremendous amount of damage to our hay and pasture fields, particularly where cattle were fed and equipment was required to move across rain soaked fields. It is usually hard to get farmers to agree on a lot of things, however, there was 100% agreement among cattle producers in Bath County that these high traffic, and heavy feeding areas were in need of a lot of work.To try to address this issue, on March 19th the extension office hosted a video training
Author: Keith Center
Major Program: Forages
2019 East KY Hay ContestHay and pasture production is a leading component of agriculture production in Elliott County. According to the 2017 United States Department of Agriculture Statistics Service data indicated 20,500 tons of hay are harvested on approximately 7,900 acres of farm land in the county. Therefore, the Elliott County Agriculture Council and the CEA for ANR felt that forage testing was essential for the farmers in Elliott County and signed up to participate in the East Kentucky Ha
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Forages
According to the 2012 Agricultural Census Menifee County raises 4,500 head of cattle and 5,800 acres of forages are raised each year. The high rainfall of 2018 and 2019 winters have provided the opportunity for Menifee County farmers to deal with mud and fluctuating temperatures. Both of these conditions increase a cows calorie need to stay at the same BCS (Body Condition Score). The Menifee County Beef Producers have hosted 3 meetings on ways to help cattle through these strug
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forages
Due to the recent drought, available forage for grazing livestock is being sought by everyone at this time, but there are major concerns with certain types of grass. The Buffalo Trace Ag Agents hosted their annual Farm School for Women and the topic for the second meeting was pasture management. This included a farm tour that looked at various pasture management issues including the use of annuals such as sorghum / sudan grass to fill the summer grazing needs. Because
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Forages
Pasture forages provide the majority of the nutrients for Montgomery County beef cattle and other livestock for the spring, summer and fall seasons. Due to weather conditions, winter feeding areas and in some cases over grazing, weeds have become a major problem in some pastures. These weeds compete with and reduce the availability of of our desired grazing forages. To address this issue Dr. JD Green, University of Kentucky Weed Science Specialist and this agent worked with a county farmer
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Forages
The Jackson County Agriculture agent worked alongside other agents from the wilderness trail area as well as a representative of Sentera crop solutions to learn to fly a drone for use in precision agriculture for producer forage recommendations. The agent and other agents worked to write a grant to pay for the drone and the precision agriculture software. The drone program has been implemented on 15 farms. The data collected has been used to create color and vegetative index maps that are then u
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
The East Kentucky Hay Contest has been held for 25 years. The purpose when started was to make hay producers in Eastern KY aware of the quality of hay they were making, and if it was not very good quality, they would want to improve it. We had 75 samples tested the first year.As agents, our hopes were that our participating farmers would take the results and work with us to improve the forage quality. And share what they were learning about the importance of having their forages tested with thei
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Forages
Madison County Hay Auction 2020 The 2017 KY Ag Census lists Madison County as the 3rd largest hay producing county in the state of Kentucky with approximately 43,600 acres of hay. In an effort to help market local hay, the Madison County Extension ANR agent and the Madison County Fair Board partnered to coordinate a regional hay auction at the county fairgrounds.On Saturday January 11th, 2020 our 12th annual hay auction took place with 67 different l
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Forages
Educational programs that strengthen agriculture production skills are a continued priority identified by the Oldham County Extension Council and Agriculture Council. In Oldham County, pasture makes up one-third of available farmland and provides grazing for livestock. Livestock are important to Oldham County’s economy, with cattle and horses representing over 12.5 million dollars in sales in 2017, according to the last Census of Agriculture. Pastures play a major role in
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Forages
Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction (Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties) has become an annual event that both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Less than desirable weather conditions for 2 consecutive years brought about a forage supply shortage. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurately drive the market. In fact, the Tri County Hay & Straw Auction allows all producers to get an idea of the value of their fora
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Forages
The Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction (Metcalfe, Barren, and Monroe County Cooperative Extension Services) has become an annual event that both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Less than desirable weather conditions for the past two years has brought about a forage supply shortage for many farmers. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurately drive the market. In fact, the Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction allows all producers to get a
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Forages
Forage production accounts for a large portion of agriculture production in Crittenden County. According to the 2017 Agriculture Census almost 18,000 acres were in some type of forage production. Hay is an important part of livestock diets and the nutrition values can vary widely. Harvest height, weather conditions, forage type and other factors have an impact on hay quality. Hay nutritive values are determined by a hay quality test.For the third year Crittenden County Extension and Crittenden C
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Forages
Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction (Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties) has become an annual event that both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Less than desirable weather conditions for 2 consecutive years brought about a forage supply shortage. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurately drive the market. In fact, the Tri County Hay & S
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forages
The Bracken County Extension Service hosted a workshop on Pasture Weed Control to help producers understand both why pasture weeds are more prevalent, and how to mitigate weeds through various methods. In recent years, pasture weed pressure has increased, and most of the reason is due to winter feeding damage. Excessive wet winters have resulted in the destruction of sod around feeding areas.Without grass competition, weeds take advantage of open spaces and crowd out any remaining gr
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Forages
Quality forages are a major part of a beef cattle operation. The more day’s beef cattle are allowed to graze in a given year the more potential profit a beef operation may have. We at the Lee County Extension Service have been working with a group of beef producers for around four years on increasing their grazing days. We have educated these producers on stocking rates, stockpiling, soil fertility, water supply, rotational grazing, forage varieties, and etc. These three producers have red
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
With many acres of strip-mined land dedicated to hay production, Johnson County farmers requested education on the special requirements of this cropping system. Members of the Johnson Co. Agricultural Advancement Council worked with the Highlands Beef Cattle Association to develop the Mountain Master Forager program, held in 2019, with an evening dedicated to the topic. One farmer who attended recently reported that he had implemented the program's fertilizer recommendations and increased hi
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forages
After many years of using corn silage to feed stocker cattle on a local farm operation, they wanted to transition their fields to a permanent grass and simplify their operation to a fall calving cow herd. The problem was each year, the corn silage harvest was too late to plant forage grasses.The Bracken County Extension Service help put together a plan to generate summer forage and allow for a fall seeding that would fill the need for future hay and pasture needs. The use of a warm se
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Forages
Beef producers making round bale hay have been encouraged to protect their investment in the stored forage by limiting exposure to weather. A couple of young producers have taken advantage of a low interest loan program and built permanent hay storage structures. The hay storage will provide shelter for their baled hay until winter feeding time. One thing that producers often struggle with is, when should they stack the rolled hay in the barn. Baled hay has a tendency to heat soon after ba
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Forages
Wheat is often used as a source of forage for beef cattle in the area. With the late freeze events of 2020 producers were concerned about the wheat crop being damaged and increasing the risk for Nitrate concentration in the forage. Several producers contacted the local ANR Agent about assessing the Nitrate levels in the wheat crop prior to cutting it for forage. The ANR agent made several farm visits to wheat fields using the nitrate test strips provided by UK forage specialist to de
Author: Susan Fox
Major Program: Forages
University of Kentucky research has shown that soil potassium plays a key role in reducing broomsedge in forage stands and increasing yields from cool season forages. A spring article sent to 77 farmers highlighted that many farmers underfertilize with potassium. Low potassium will prevent nitrogen fertilizer from having its full yield enhancing effect. The results of Extension research on the use of fertilizers for broomsedge control was shared with producers in a newsletter. The agent also dis
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
On June 12 UK Forage Specialist held a Virtual Forage Field Day on Choosing the Best Forage Variety. The virtual part was due to Covid-19, but it included a video tour of the UK Forage Variety Test plots managed by Gene Olson. We showed the performance of varieties of tall fescue, orchardgrass, red and white clover, alfalfa and many other forage species. The field day included presentations by UK specialists on how to choose the best varieties for your farm and your individual hay fields and pas
Author: Robert Smith
Major Program: Forages
During the winter of 2020 Marion, Nelson, and Washington counties offered a joint program called Master Haymakers. This series is designed to increase the quality and efficiency of the haymaking process. Specialists from the University of Kentucky presented information on Hayleage, Haymaking Equipment, Summer and Winter Forages, hay storage, quality, and handling. Around 40 participants were engaged in the learning of new techniques, varieties, and management. At least tw
Author: Jerry Little
Major Program: Forages
A farmer had the agent come out and evaluate a large pasture field for a weed problem that had been getting worse over the last two years. It was a sedge that was scattered all over the field. I contacted the U.K. weed specialist and he made a farm visit in July and determined that the sedge was getting out of hand and he wanted to spray a demonstration plot with herbicides.We sprayed a replicated plot in the field and evaluated the plot twice in 2019. August, and again in September. We went bac
Author: Matthew Futrell
Major Program: Forages
Foraging for SuccessOne of the challenges beef cattle producers face is deciding if they are raising cattle or forages. On October 3, 2019 the Christian County Cooperative Extension Service hosted the Heart of America Grazing Conference. The grazing conference was a collaboration between the Kentucky Forage and Grasslands Council (KFGC), university specialist, and the local extension service. The mission of the conference was to encourage producers to not think of themselves a
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Forages
Kentucky is one of the largest hay producing states East of the Mississippi River. In our climate it typically takes 3-4 days of favorable weather to produce dry hay. However over the last five years, the average rainfall across Central KY has trended higher than the average. As such, many farmers have recently experienced poor drying conditions and lower nutrient availability due to late cut forage. One way that we can prevent exposure to weather is by producing baleage rather than dry hay. Bal
Author: Heather Graham
Major Program: Forages
According to Penn State Extension, there are 6 major factors that affect forage quality: maturity; crop species; harvest and storage; environment; soil fertility; and variety. "Soil fertility affects forage yield much more than it does quality. While it is possible to produce high quality forage on poor, unproductive soils, it is generally very difficult to produce high yields of high quality forage with an unproductive soil resource. Proper soil phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels help
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Forages
According to census data our popluation in Lincoln County has decreased just very so slightly. I would not have guess this to be true because it seems like almost weekly I am talking with someone new to the area and wants to know more about how to make their farm productive. I call these folks "First Timers". I love these calls because I know this is my chance to hook them on Extension. I have worked with producers wanting help identifying weeds, to helping them with farm financials, t
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Forages
In 2018 and 2019, the Woodford County Extension Service worked with Shadwell Farm in monitoring ergovaline levels in horse pastures to determine toxic levels to mares. Utilizing analytical services provided by the University of Kentucky Vet Diagnostic Laboratory, levels were able to be monitored and mared managed to mitigate potential health risks. One farm manager noted that they had potentially saved thousands of dollars of veterinary bills from reduced levels of dystocia and foal
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Northern Kentucky Baleage and Botulism – A cow calf producer in Northern Kentucky experienced several deaths of cows from botulism from poorly ensiled baleage (round bale silage). The tainted feed was part of a large number of bales ensiled in a common tube-wrapped row of bales. The producer needed to know why the botulism occurred and if any of the remaining forage was safe to feed. After several consultations between the agent, Michelle Simon, the specialists (Jimmy Henning, Michelle Arn
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Applied forage research driven by current needs provides a solid basis for highly regarded and relevant popular press articles. Two recent applied research projects on forages (potassium response of forage grasses and survey of baleage fermentation characteristics in Kentucky) were selected for invited articles for the national publication ‘Hay and Forage Grower.’ These were published in the February and April of 2020. These articles were seen by 65,000 producers per issue.
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Making high quality baleage (plastic-wrapped high moisture round bales) is an important practice that allows producers to avoid rain damage and minimize storage losses of forage. Successful production of baleage requires good management including knowing proper moisture for baling. A meeting in Scott County KY in March 2020 informed producers on the best practices for making round bale silage. As a result of the meeting:12 of 14 respondents plant to test their baleage for forage quality and ferm
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
An applied forage research trial in Powell County KY examined the effect of potassium addition to a hay field testing ‘Very Low’ in potassium according to UK soil testing standards. Results from the study have shown excellent yield and botanical composition improvement (less broomsedge and more desirable forage species) from fertilizing with potassium according to UK soil test recommendations. These results have been disseminated via social media, e-newsletters and state and national
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
The Eastern Kentucky Hay Contest (EKHC) is a cooperative effort between the county agents in Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky and local cattlemen’s associations and the University of Kentucky faculty specialists in animal science, plant and soil science and also specialists from Kentucky State University. The contest began 25 years ago and involved three counties and has grown to include 13 counties in 2020. The contest has seen an increase in the number of samples submitted. In the last
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
A central Kentucky thoroughbred horse farm experienced a high incidence of fescue toxicosis symptoms in pregnant and foaling mares during early 2017. The UK Plant and Soil Science Forage Group was contacted by the farm at the advice of the consulting veterinarian. After a farm visit, the farm agreed to a program of pasture evaluation. Fields were samples for species composition, endophyte infection level, and ergovaline content. After being presented results showing damaging levels of infected t
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
In 2016, Paul and Melita Knapper were the first farm to be enrolled in the RCPP Overgrazing and Soil Degradation on KY Horse Farms. This program brings EQIP funds to horse farm to implement resource conservation practices and to improve the profitability and sustainability of small horse farms. The Knappers received more than $30,000 to convert 30 acres from row crops to perennial pasture, therefore increases the amount of pasture they have and their ability to rotate horses. When visited i
Author: Charles May
Major Program: Forages
Forage production and forage quality in Perry County is something that has taken a backseat for many years to beef cattle production and other commodities. Terrain, cost of fertilizer and lime, equipment and seed cost have contribute to this. Also the small amount of Phase I funds to help offset cost, makes forage stand improvement unattractive to most. In an effort to educate producers on the importance and economic impact of forage improvement, County Extension Agents
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
In 2016, Paul and Melita Knapper were the first farm to be enrolled in the RCPP Overgrazing and Soil Degradation on KY Horse Farms. This program brings EQIP funds to horse farm to implement resource conservation practices and to improve the profitability and sustainability of small horse farms. The Knappers received more than $30,000 to convert 30 acres from row crops to perennial pasture, therefore increases the amount of pasture they have and their ability to rotate horses. When visited i
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
Gabriel Roberts, a senior technician with Ray Smith in Plant and Soil Sciences, has developed a series of timelapse videos that dramatically show the advantage of good forage management. Many of these videos can be downloaded or played directly from the decision aid section of the UK Forage Website https://forages.ca.uky.edu/decisionaids . We are currently in the process of uploading these outstanding videos to the UKForages YouTube Channel. Although there are many videos, some of th
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
The Eastern Kentucky Hay Contest (EKHC) is a cooperative effort between the county agents in Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky and local cattlemen’s associations and the University of Kentucky faculty specialists in animal science, plant and soil science and also specialists from Kentucky State University. The contest began 25 years ago and involved three counties and has grown to include 13 counties in 2020. The contest has seen an increase in the number of samples submitted. In the last
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
A central Kentucky thoroughbred horse farm experienced a high incidence of fescue toxicosis symptoms in pregnant and foaling mares during early 2017. The UK Plant and Soil Science Forage Group was contacted by the farm at the advice of the consulting veterinarian. After a farm visit, the farm agreed to a program of pasture evaluation. Fields were samples for species composition, endophyte infection level, and ergovaline content. After being presented results showing damaging levels of infected t
Author: Benjamin Conner
Major Program: Forages
Producing feedstuff for livestock is important in Scott County because of the large importance of beef cattle to Scott County agriculture. Utilizing forages for feed has always been part of the process. Most commonly cattle will graze forages or forages will be cut, then dried to low moisture, and finally stored for use during months that the forages are not growing. The process of producing high moisture hay, or baleage, has been more popular in the recent years. This high moisture hay does all
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Educational programs that strengthen production skills of agriculture operations in Oldham County are a continued priority identified by Oldham County’s Extension and Agriculture Councils. Equine operations continue to be the top agriculture enterprise in Oldham County with a market value of sales at $6,317,000 according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, ranking 6th in Kentucky. Extension continues to reach out to assist horse owners through programs that can improve their pr
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Forages
Allen County is a very rural and agricultural based county located in the south central part of the state. According to the 2017 agriculture census, Allen County ranks 21st in total hay production in the state of Kentucky. Out of 49,314 total acres reported, 35,225 acres of land is contributed to hay production. In response to the large production of hay that Allen County has to offer, with the help of the agriculture council members, stakeholders and the Allen County Extension Agent for Ag
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Kentucky Fencing School Chris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith, Morgan Hayes, Josh Jackson, Nicholas Carter, Leann Martin, and Chelsey AndersonKentucky is home to 1 million brood cows. Utilization of forages by livestock requires secure perimeter fencing. In 2019, fencing schools were held in Fayette, Cumberland, and Logan counties. Each school consisted of classroom sessions in the morning and hands on fence construction in the afternoon. In the morning sessions,
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Western Kentucky Summer Forage Tour: Reviving Rundown FarmsNeglected and rundown livestock farms are all too common in the Commonwealth. Bub and Lakayah Daugherty purchased D&D Farm in 2013, they set a goal to raise cattle and be profitable. They attend the Kentucky Grazing School held in Princeton. Upon returning from this high quality educational program they worked with cooperative extension and the USDA-NRCS to establish a rotational stocking system. In 2019, their far
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Heart of America Grazing Conference: Kicking the Hay HabitHay is an important part of ruminant livestock systems in transition zone states like Kentucky. However, it tends to be an expensive feed source compared to allowing animals graze during the winter months. We organized and hosted the 2019 Heart of America Grazing Conference that was held in Boone and Christian counties. This multi-state conference attracted more than 350 producers from Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana
Author: Christan Miracle
Major Program: Forages
Forages are one of the most important aspects of many types of farms. Whether the farm produces livestock such as beef cattle, sheep, or horse, or the farm is used for sod production, the forages are at the limited factor of profit. In the winter of 2020 a tri-county educational series was implemented called Master Haymaker. In this 6 part series specialists from the University of KY forage department as well as guest speakers presented their knowledge to a diverse group of farmers. One reason t
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
KYForages YouTube ChannelThe KyForages YouTube Channel features forage and livestock related videos captured from meetings and conferences using a software program called CAMTASIA. This channel has more than 2000 subscribers and was viewed more than 92,000 times in the 2019-2020 reporting period. The total watch time was more than 1.2 million minutes with an average view time of almost 13 minutes. Approximately 75% of the views came from the United States and Canada, with 20% c
