Extension
It Starts With Us
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. Low potassium will prevent nitrogen fertilizer from having its full yield-enhancing effect. A spring article sent to 77 farmers highlighted that many farmers underfertilize with potassium. The agent also discussed the findings with a local farmer and subsequently with the farmer's crop advisor. The field was soil tested and rec
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forages
Field productivity had declined over time for a local producer and he requested advice on reseeding of his hay fields to increase production. After a site visit, it appeared that grass stands were sufficient, but lacked the growth he wanted. We had a discussion about his goals and plans to use the forage. I knew that he recently sold his cattle and only planned for cash hay sales. Most of the hay would be for beef cattle, so grass or grass clover hay would be all that was
Author: Don Sorrell
Major Program: Forages
With the onset of COVID-19 came the need to move away from face-to face Extension programming to more Zoom programs, YouTube videos and in my case outdoor forage field days. To address the needs of our agriculture community in the area of forage production (especially hay production and weed control) 5 YouTube videos were developed to assist farmers with timely topics. These included: adjusting the no-till drill, taking soil tests, understanding soil test recommendations, weed control in pasture
Author: April Wilhoit
Major Program: Forages
Fleming County's participation in the annual East Kentucky Hay Contest has been scare to none over the past three-ten years. In 2019 I worked with bringing interest back to the need of understanding hay quality through Fleming County's participation in the East KY Hay Contest. Four farmers signed up to test their hay quality in 2019 and in 2020 the participation level more than doubled. Hay quality is important for farmers in Fleming County for many reasons. We ha
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
As in the 25 years past, fall brought about the annual East Kentucky Hay Contest, just on an adjusted timeline. However, this year was significantly different, at least for us agents and our Forage Specialists contacts. For the forage producers, nothing much changed on their end. First, we are dealing with a new testing lab and a 2nd year forage specialist who coordinates the program. And as with many things, when new people are involved, they bring new ideas and ways of doing things. This
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Forages
Proper forage utilization and management is one of the major factors that livestock producers can control to improve the profitability of any livestock operation. Lee County has around 2,500 acres of forages that is managed for feed for livestock. Forage quality has been identified, by leader as the number one concern that needs to be addressed to improve livestock profitability in Lee County.Lee County extension agent has worked with two livestock producers on improving their forages. These two
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Forages
As the Coronavirus pandemic continues county agriculture agents find new ways to deliver information to clientele, and service work has become more important. Families have more time at home and to work on their farms and their property. Call volumes have increased our opportunities to work one on one with producers. I have had the opportunity to spend more time with producers, research their production issues, and provide detailed solutions than I have in many years. Dur
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Forages
Kentucky's lush rolling hills serve more purpose than a picturesque background. Kentucky livestock operations, like beef cattle enterprises, are primarily forage-based systems. Relying heavily on the diverse climate opportunities to provide lush pastures in the spring and even stockpile fescue for those late fall months. The winter brings on feeding hay in roll bales or square and the difficulties of fighting the mud, which brings not only opportunity cost losses, but financial as well.Over
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forages
Knowing the nutritional content of your hay is key to the profitability of any livestock operation. Without this information, producers will not know if they are providing the correct nutrients to meet the animal’s needs or if they are overfeeding the animals, hurting their profitability.The Bracken County Extension Service has always encouraged producers to test their hay and offered to option of two labs to meet their testing needs. In 2019, Bracken County received an invita
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Forages
Beef cattle and forage production enterprises are the backbone of Morgan County’s agricultural economy. Baseline assessments several years ago indicated that farmers were utilizing only one third of their forage production opportunities and that their overall forages were too low in quality to meet expected animal performance requirements. Morgan County Ag Board leaders and ANR agent utilized the Morgan County Extension Educational Farm to conduct programs for forage producers includi
Author: Nicole Rhein
Major Program: Forages
Three years ago, a Marshall County cattle farmer came into the Extension office seeking advice. He met with Nikki Rhein, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, to explore the reasons his pastures were underproductive and weedy. Nikki recommended starting with soil samples. The farmer indicated that he wasn't well and that testing would be out of the question. Despite the weather, Nikki volunteered to take the tests for him, and ever since that hot, humid day, the producer has been an enthu
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 fourth year Crittenden County Extension and Crittenden
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Forages
The most recent 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 9th, 2021 our 13th annual hay auction took place with 104 different lots of hay and straw offered for sale. This year
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Forages
Weather extremes the last several years have had a negative impact on perennial forages and more specifically cool season perennial forages and alfalfa This agent spends a significant amount of time annually working with producers on the establishment and maintenance of these forages. Phone calls, one to one visits, and emails were all utilized this past late summer/early fall to assist producers on establishing these forages. Ten producers seeded a combined 122 acres of forages. Int
Author: Clay Stamm
Major Program: Forages
During the quarantine of 2020, many folks were bound to their homes without the chance to travel and participate in the summer activities that they normally would partake in. Many landowners took this time to notice things on their properties that they could improve, projects that they had been meaning to get to but just had not had the time in previous years. Here at the Clark County Extension Office, I took many of these types of calls through out 2020. Clients would call to learn about lawns,
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Forages
This past August Calloway County extension assisted state specialist, state NRCS and conservation district staff along with several industry representatives in hosting a multi-state regional field day. The event was very successful on a programmatic scale as we had over 100 participants present, due to the layout of the farm we were able to divide them into small groups and space them out to limit exposure. On the county level the successes were even greater than attendance numbers. First, we we
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: Forages
In February and March 2021, the District 1 Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents hosted a Master Haymaker Program. This program covered a wide variety of topics that all focused on forages. The program was held every Monday night for seven weeks virtually - due to COVID restrictions. Even though it was virtual, that did not hinder the attendance at all. There were over 100 individuals who were registered for the program, and an average of 80-90 participants per night. The participation was ou
Author: April Wilhoit
Major Program: Forages
The District 1 ANR Agents hosted a seven series virtual Master Haymaker program in winter of 2021. This program came to fruition due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to continue programming that would enhance the lives of agriculture producers in Eastern Kentucky. The seven sessions covered topics such as: weed control in forages, producing quality hay, warm and cool season forages, soil fertility, marketing hay, machinery options for hay production, and the production of
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forages
The District 1 ANR Agents hosted a seven series virtual Master Haymaker program in winter of 2021. This program came to fruition due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to continue programming that would enhance the lives of agriculture producers in Eastern Kentucky. The seven sessions covered topics such as: weed control in forages, producing quality hay, warm and cool season forages, soil fertility, marketing hay, machinery options for hay production, and the production of
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Forages
The District 1 ANR Agents hosted a virtual Master Haymaker program series for seven weeks beginning in February of 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to continue programming that would enhance the lives of agriculture producers in Eastern Kentucky, the Agriculture/Natural Resource Agents in District 1 planned and implemented the virtual program to help area producers have the resources to produce high quality hay for livestock. Due to varying internet capabilities
Author: Alex Butler
Major Program: Forages
Bale Grazing Success StoryThe USDA Census reports that Anderson County has 458 Forage Operations on 20,764 acres producing 37,060 tons of dry equivalent. Combining county forage operations with the 380 Cow-calf operations with 15,880 head and 340 Beef Cattle Operations with 8,263 head, one can discern that efficient forage utilization is key to the success of cattle operators. Efforts put forth by the Extension Agent with the guidance of Extension Specialists in forage production and economics p
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Forages
Pasture forages provide the majority of the nutrients for Montgomery County beef cattle & other livestock. Due to weather conditions, winter feeding areas & in some cases over grazing, weeds such as Buttercup have become a major problem in many pastures. These weeds compete with & reduce the availability of our desired grazing forages. The Montgomery County Extension District Board purchased a special sprayer for the ANR Agent to make available to Montgomery County farmers to help co
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Forages
In Adair County, Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue is a staple forage source for livestock. While providing a reliable source of forages for Adair County livestock farmers, KY 31 Tall Fescue is also known to contain an endophyte that has negative impacts on livestock performance. It is estimated that the endophyte contained in KY 31 costs Kentucky livestock producers $200 million annually. In 2020, a survey of KY 31 Tall Fescue growing on Adair County farms was conducted. The purpos
Author: Whitney Carman
Major Program: Forages
Forages play an integral part of the rural agriculture economy in Grayson County. Hay production specifically makes up for 35,300 acres of production, ranking 24th in the state. On average, Grayson County produces 100,000 tons of hay each year. Hay production is important for the area due to the amount of livestock, large and small, that utilize it. Therefore, forage quality is a very important factor that the Agriculture agents in the area get questions about.Working closely with Breckinridge c
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Forages
In the last few weeks, i had the chance to work with a guy that i knew just a little bit from prior conversations. He had called and wanted me to come look at some grass he was having trouble with. Now, this guy was the type to give me a chance and that chance determined if he would ever use me again. So, i made it a point to really dig in and do all i could for this guy. I made multiple visits to the field with him, sent samples off, dug holes, researched the problem, and talked with specialist
Author: Jerry Little
Major Program: Forages
An increase in the broadleaf weed pressure in pastures has created problems for beef cattle producers in Boyle county. Beef backgrounders need their pastures to be as weed free as possible to increase the weight of gain on calves. With the number of questions the ANR agent gets on controlling these weeds he has worked with the U.K.extension weed specialist on looking at herbicide control measures. A replicated plot was set up looking at several broadleaf weed control herbicides labeled for pastu
Author: Matthew Futrell
Major Program: Forages
Grass in the Rumen Equals Pounds on the Rail The key to a productive cattle herd is forage management. Much as grain farmers use combines as harvesting equipment, cattle producers can think of their livestock as their harvesting equipment. In this mind set the better a producer can utilize their grass, the more productive their cattle operation can be. According to the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association there are over 995,000 head of beef cattle in the state of Kentuck
Author: Steven Musen
Major Program: Forages
Much of Jessamine County contains rolling topography which is best suited to the production of livestock and forages. With 62,414 acres in pastureland and 29,012 acres in forage production (69.3% of total cropland), Jessamine County has the potential of supporting more than the current 20,500 total head of cattle (beef and dairy) with improved pasture efficiency through more careful management and intensive grazing. Growing Forages for livestock grazing and hay production is one of Jessami
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Forages
KY-31 fescue is the most commonly used forage in Kentucky hay and pasture fields. This variety is popular because of its ease of establishment, drought tolerance, pest resistance, and tendency to prolong grazing seasons. However, studies have proven that KY-31 contains endophytes which can be detrimental and potentially deadly to cattle. In warmer months, toxicity can result in moderate symptoms such as increased body temperatures, causing the animal to linger in shady spots an
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Forages
According to the 2017 Ag Census, Crittenden County has over 17,000 acres in forage production. Managing forage ground can be expensive and choosing which practice to focus on can be a frustrating decision for producers, especially when a large portion of the ground is rented. Crittenden County ANR agent has worked with one family to help make these decisions utilizing resources from the Cooperative Extension Office.The family started using their local office for forage quality testing. After the
Author: Jonathan Green
Major Program: Forages
In recent years buttercup has become a more prevalent weed problem during the spring in grazed pastures and other field areas across Kentucky, particularly areas where livestock heavily graze in the fall and winter months. Most individuals do not recognize this weed until it is in full flower when control strategies are more limited. There are different species of buttercup that can make it difficult to properly identify this weed in the early vegetative growth stages. To help educate live
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
About a year and a half ago I received a phone call from a local farmer I had worked with in the past. He had a high pressure gas transmission line that ran through his property behind his home, and the ground around it had started to slip. As you can imagine he was very concerned on several different levels.I went to his farm and we examined the situation. He had already contacted the gas company, but was wanting my advice on what needed to be done and how he could keep that acreage productive
Author: Stacy White
Major Program: Forages
The average quality of hay produced in Whitley County most years is quite poor. Weak stands and bad timing of harvest are two of the major contributing factors to this reduced quality. A farmer and his son who noticed this problem came in and asked what they could do to improve their hay quality. After much discussion they decided to get back to basics and stop just throwing 19-19-19 on their fields and hoping for the best. Soil tests were done and amendments were made ac
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: Forages
Russell County is a major beef producing county, with approximately 35,000 head of cattle and calves. The vast majority of the operations in the county are cow calf based, with pasture as the main source of nutrition. Most of the fields in the county are used for hay in the spring and pasture in the summer and fall months. Unfortunately most of the pastures are not utilized properly and fertility can sometimes be an issue with the rising prices of fertilizers.This past summer a
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Forages
Menifee County has been home to Yaks for 5 plus years. Limited research has been conducted on the species in North America’s. The Menifee County Extension Programs started doing research at Zhi-ba Shing-ga Yak Farm in Wellington, KY in 2019 with a Yak Garden. In winter of 2021, a new research study began with the help of Dr. Jeff Lemkuhler. The objective of this on-farm research was to evaluate the effect of hay type on growth rate of growing yaks. Forages evaluated
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Forages
In Montgomery County, livestock represent the largest sector of agriculture. Hay is a crucial part of livestock systems in Montgomery County, and while we want to minimize the number of hay feeding days due to cost, producing and feeding high quality hay for those days is crucial. The District 1 ANR Agents hosted a seven series virtual Master Haymaker program in winter of 2021. This program came to fruition due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to continue programming that would
Author: Clinton Hardy
Major Program: Forages
Daviess County Extension Service had the opportunity to host one of two University of Kentucky Fencing Schools in May 13. UK specialists and fencing industry experts used a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on demonstration to teach the basics of a well-built livestock fence. Participants learned that poor fence condition increases risk of liability to a farm business as animals are more likely to gain access to public roads, greatly increasing risk of a motor vehi
Author: Linda Hieneman
Major Program: Forages
The District 1 ANR Agents hosted a seven series virtual Master Haymaker program in winter of 2021. This program came to fruition due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to continue programming that would enhance the lives of agriculture producers in Eastern Kentucky. The seven sessions covered topics such as: weed control in forages, producing quality hay, warm and cool season forages, soil fertility, marketing hay, machinery options for hay production, and the production of
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Sheep grazing stockpiled tall fescue on a Clay County Kentucky FarmSpecialists Involved: Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch, Morgan HaysThe University of Kentucky Plant & Soil Science Department collaborated with the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office to create an online Small Ruminant Grazing School. The online grazing school will be incorporated into an online course called the Kentucky Small Ruminant Master Class (KY SRMC). The Kentucky Small Ruminant Master Class is designed
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Forages
Forage production is a key component to every livestock and horse farm whether it be in the form of pasture or hay and whether it’s purchased or grown. The forage quality is the determining factor in many different aspects dictating growth rate, operating expenses and ultimately profit or loss. Boone County ANR Agent collaborated with other northern Kentucky agents and provided programs including Spring Renovations of Pastures and Hayfields, Forages 101, Building a Year Round Grazing Syste
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Forages
Meade County is one of the largest producers of hay in Kentucky. Several farmers grow alfalfa hay for sale. Alfalfa is an expensive crop to grow, but can be very profitable if managed well. This late spring early summer, two alfalfa growers contacted this ANR agent about new spring seeding that were not growing well and look unhealthy. This ANR agent made farm visits to the respective fields to discover the insect potato leafhopper was destroying their newly seeded fields. After this discover th
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
Producing quality stored forage is essential for optimum livestock nutrition. After poor hay quality was cited in a number of livestock deaths in early 2020, county extension agents in several eastern Kentucky counties banded together to offer the Master Haymaker program. The seven-session series was offered in early 2021 and provided education on topics ranging from species selection to harvesting techniques. Seven Johnson County farms participated in the series, with most joining the sessions
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Specialists Involved: Jimmy Henning, Chris Teutsch, Jeff Lehmkulher, Bob Coleman and Ken Adries (Kentucky State University).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 26 years ago and involved three counties and
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Specialists Involved: Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith and Krista LeaA 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
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
UK Forage Group Establishes Teaching Pastures at Locust Trace AgriScience CenterSpecialists and Staff Involved: Krista Lea, Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith and Gabriel RobertsIn late summer of 2020, Specialists from the UK Forage Group were approached about improving the horse pastures at the Locust Trace AgriScience Center, a unique high school in Fayette County Kentucky where students learn about the equine industry and related businesses. Students develop knowledge and skills related to the handling
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
UK Baleage Research Increases ProfitabilitySpecialist Involved: Jimmy HenningIn 2018, UK was approached by a Fayette County producer with 108 tons of improperly handled and ensiled silage in round bales, asking if it could be salvaged. Due to the poor condition of the plastic wrap, the forage was a total loss, estimated at $5400 in lost feed value ($50/ton dry matter basis). A UK specialist engaged the producer in a baleage research trial. As a result, the producer was able to improve production
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Forages
During the COVID pandemic, the District 1 ANR Agents hosted an educational series for our farmers. A seven series virtual Master Haymaker program was developed and offered in winter of 2021 using Zoom. . The seven sessions covered topics such as: weed control in forages, producing quality hay, warm and cool season forages, soil fertility, marketing hay, machinery options for hay production, and the production of baleage. The option was given for folks to either attend ses
Author: John Grove
Major Program: Forages
Along with Dr. Chris Teutsch, Plant and Soil Sciences Extension Forage Specialist, and Nikki Rhein, Marshall County ANR Agent, I visited the farm of a bermudagrass producer. Met with the producer and the farm manager. Grass was exhibiting nitrogen (N) deficiency. Examined fertilizer application 'ticket' provided by the fertilizer retailer for this field and discovered that there was at least one product that was not needed. Those dollars should have purchased more N fertilizer and thereb
Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: Forages
During the COVID pandemic, the District 1 ANR Agents hosted an educational series for our farmers. A seven series virtual Master Haymaker program was developed and offered in winter of 2021 using Zoom. The seven sessions covered weed control in forages, producing quality hay, warm and cool season forages, soil fertility, marketing hay, machinery options for hay production, and the production of baleage. The option was given for farmers to either attend sessions via ZOOM or watch reco
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
Proper nutrition of livestock relies on understanding the content of the feedstuffs being provided to the animals. Grains and protein supplements have a consistent and regulated composition, but hay varies dramatically based on factors such as species, time of harvest, curing conditions, and handling. To help farmers fill in the final piece of their ration puzzles, counties in the eastern region of Kentucky banded together in the late 1990's to conduct the East Kentucky Hay Contest. The even
Author: Matthew Adams
Major Program: Forages
It's been said that good fences make good neighbors, so why not combine both to create a new program? Hardin County joined forces with LaRue County Extension to develop the Lincoln Trial Fencing School as we emerged from the COVID-19 Pandemic in April. 20 participants from both Hardin and Larue Counties were on hand at the Hardin County Extension Campus to learn the basics of modern fence building. Industry Representatives worked with ANR Agents Matt Adams and Daniel Carpen
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference-Optimizing Forage QualityChris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, and Ray Smith, University of Kentucky In 2021, the 40th annual Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference occurred virtually over three days. This conference was a joint effort of the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, and the UK Master Grazer program. The theme was “Optimizing Forage Quality for the CA$H Hay Market”.  
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Forage and Animal Specialists Support Agent Led Eastern Kentucky Hay ContestJimmy Henning, Chris Teutsch, Jeff Lehmkulher, Bob Coleman from the University of Kentucky, and Ken Andries from Kentucky State UniversityThe Eastern Kentucky Hay Contest (EKHC) is a cooperative effort between the county agents and local cattlemen’s groups in Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky that is supported by extension specialists from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment and
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Electric Fencing for Serious Graziers…An In-Service for Agricultural ProfessionalsChris Teutsch and Morgan Hayes, University of Kentucky, and Jeremy McGill, GallagherTemporary and permeant electric fencing is a powerful tool for managing grazing. In 2020, working with Dr. Hayes from the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and Jeremy McGill from Gallagher Fencing, we developed a curriculum entitled “Electric Fencing for Serious Graziers”. This educ
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Improving Hay Quality in the Kentucky Chris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, and Ray Smith, University of Kentucky This year’s Forages at the KCA Conference was held VIRTUALLY on January 13, 2021. The focus of the conference was improving hay quality in the Commonwealth. Topics included historical perspective on hay quality in Kentucky, using hay test results to develop supplementation strategies, considerations for making high quality baleage, and approaches to improving ha
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Kentucky Fencing SchoolsChris Teutsch, Morgan Hayes, and Joshua Jackson, University of Kentucky Implementing improved grazing management requires high quality fencing. Working with the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council and private industry representatives, we designed and implemented the Kentucky Fencing School. In 2019 and 2020, four hands on schools with more than 80 total participants were held across Kentucky. These programs focused on the proper installation of mo
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Expanding the Reach of the UK Forages Extension Program Chris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, and Ray Smith, University of Kentucky In 2017, we established the KYForages YouTube Channel. The impact of this endeavor continues to grow. Our subscribers have doubled in the last two years to more than 2,700. In this reporting period, content from this channel has been viewed more 125,000 times with an average watch time of more than 12 minutes resulting in a total watch time that
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Adapting to Change: Designing Resilient Forage-Livestock SystemsChris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, and Ray Smith, University of Kentucky Cow-calf producers in Kentucky face changing conditions in both the immediate and distant future. Realizing this, the theme of this year’s grazing conference was “designing resilient forage-livestock grazing systems for the transition zone of the United States”. This year’s keynote speaker was Johnny Rogers, a North Carolina
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Seeing is Believing: Improving Grazing Management with Summer Forage Tours Chris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, and Ray Smith, University of Kentucky Farmers tend to be experiential learners, seeing, touching, and doing enhances their understanding, retention, and adoption of improved grazing management practices. For this reason, we initiated the Western Kentucky Summer Forage Tour series. Since its inception in 2018, we have held tours in Ballard, Ohio, and Calloway counties. T
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
In 2021, the 40th annual Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference occurred virtually over three days. This conference was a joint effort of the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, and the UK Master Grazer program. The theme was “Optimizing Forage Quality for the CA$H Hay Market”. Topics included measuring forage quality, using forage quality to market hay, understanding factors that impact drying rate in alfalfa
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
This year’s Forages at the KCA Conference was held VIRTUALLY on January 13, 2021. The focus of the conference was improving hay quality in the Commonwealth. Topics included historical perspective on hay quality in Kentucky, using hay test results to develop supplementation strategies, considerations for making high quality baleage, and approaches to improving hay quality in the Kentucky. These presentations were recorded and posted on the KYForages YouTube Channel and th
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
In 2017, we established the KYForages YouTube Channel. The impact of this endeavor continues to grow. Our subscribers have doubled in the last two years to more than 2,700. In this reporting period, content from this channel has been viewed more 125,000 times with an average watch time of more than 12 minutes resulting in a total watch time that exceeds 1.5 million minutes. The United States and Canada make up 75% of the total views with the remaining 25% coming from abr
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
In late summer of 2020, Specialists from the UK Forage Group were approached about improving the horse pastures at the Locust Trace AgriScience Center, a unique high school in Fayette County Kentucky where students learn about the equine industry and related businesses. Students develop knowledge and skills related to the handling, grooming, and barn care of horses. Students then choose one of the following specializations: horsemanship or business in the equine industry. Pastures were in v
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
The University of Kentucky Forage Group is working with the UK Water Resources Research Institute on a watershed planning project in the Glenns Creek Watershed in Woodford County.? Watershed planning is a locally driven project that voluntarily addresses current and potential complex water quality issues within a specific watershed. The goal is to protect this historically significant waterbody which is home to many world-class thoroughbred farms, well-loved distilleries and popular tourist dest
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
Farmers tend to be experiential learners, seeing, touching, and doing enhances their understanding, retention, and adoption of improved grazing management practices. For this reason, we initiated the Western Kentucky Summer Forage Tour series. Since its inception in 2018, we have held tours in Ballard, Ohio, and Calloway counties. These tours have features farms in various stages of their grazing journey. In 2018, we featured a grass finished beef operation in Ballard County t
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
The UK Forage Group has recently completed a major update of the national publication Grazing. This effort was in cooperation with the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance. Grazing Alfalfa provides producers in KY and around the country with a comprehensive guide to utilizing alfalfa in pasture systems. It includes recent history of the crop, growth and management and how to integrate alfalfa into beef, dairy, sheep, goat, and horse operations. We incorporated our 25 years of experience running
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 sampled 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
Grazing AlfalfaRay Smith, Krista Lea, and Jimmy HenningThe UK Forage Group has recently completed a major update of the national publication Grazing. This effort was in cooperation with the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance. Grazing Alfalfa provides producers in KY and around the country with a comprehensive guide to utilizing alfalfa in pasture systems. It includes recent history of the crop, growth and management and how to integrate alfalfa into beef, dairy, sheep, goat, and horse operatio
Author: Morgan Hayes
Major Program: Forages
Temporary and permanent electric fencing is a powerful tool for managing grazing. In 2020, working with Dr. Teutsch from the Department of Plant and Soil Science and Jeremy McGill from Gallagher Fencing, we developed a curriculum entitled “Electric Fencing for Serious Graziers”. This educational program is a combination of classroom and hands on exercises designed to provided participants with the tools needed to assist livestock producers with electric fencing. Aft
Author: Joshua Jackson
Major Program: Forages
Achieving the 300 days of grazing desired by the beef industry requires effective fence lines. Biosystem’s and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) worked with Plant and Soil Science to implement the KY Fencing schools. From a practicality standpoint, the cost, benefit, and challenges of the different fencing types were meticulously evaluated so that producers would be able to ascertain what system would work for their operation. Furthermore, new technologies for fence line maintenance, repair,
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Forages
The District 1 ANR Agents hosted a seven-series virtual Master Haymaker program in winter of 2021. This program came to fruition due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to continue programming that would enhance the lives of agriculture producers in Eastern Kentucky. The seven sessions covered topics such as: weed control in forages, producing quality hay, warm and cool season forages, soil fertility, marketing hay, machinery options for hay production, and the production of baleag
Author: Raul Villanueva
Major Program: Forages
In 2019 I identify and unknown species affecting alfalfa fields responding a request from Darrel Simpson a CEA of Muhlenberg. This was the immature form of a crane fly or Tipulidae called leatherjacket. This new pest is voracious, and able to feed on roots, shoots, and axillary and crown buds in early spring. Spring cuts of alfalfa are compromised due to stand decline, yield reduction and negative effects in subsequent cuts of recovered plants. Thanks to collaborative effort with Dr. Julian Dupu
