Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: Forages
Name a better way to spend an evening then one with friends, food, and forages! Robertson County producers gathered on Monday, September 12th to expand their knowledge on general forage production (both pasture and hay production). Dr. Ray Smith, a UK Forage Specialist started out the evening with giving all in attendance a Forage Pocket Guide. He then gave then scenarios where they had to use the pocket guide. He was able to demonstration with a variety of forage species, fertilizers, herbicide
Author: Willie Bowling
Major Program: Forages
In 2021, Clay County Cooperative Extension Service (CES) partnered with producers from across the county to test the nutrient value of their hay as part of the 2021 East Kentucky Hay Contest. Results from these forage tests allowed participating producers to better match hay quality to their production goals for different classes of livestock. Similarly, hay costs are typically one of the largest expenses borne by Kentucky cow-calf producers, so actionable information about forage quality can he
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Forages
With the increase in costs of fertilize, herbicides, and seeds, Knox County Farmers were concerned about total costs of supplies they needed for maximum production in pastures, hayfields, and crop fields.Through training, Knox County Agriculture Agent learned how to use a GPS and measure fields to get precise acres thus decreasing the chance of miscalculations of field acreage and increased costs. By using the GPS to calculate acreage, farmers recognized that they had fields that were overestima
Author: Joseph Ray
Major Program: Forages
A forage crop being utilized more offered in central Kentucky is Sorghum based forages like sorghum, sudangrass, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids. As these forages can be productive for grazing and for hay and baleage. Prussic acid (cyanide) and nitrate poisoning is new real concern for producers this year due to drought and frost conditions. The Boyle County ANR Agent was asked to prepare a timely topic to present on a local program on October 7, 2022. This radio program normally reaches ab
Author: David Embrey
Major Program: Forages
Over the years, the Edmonson County ANR Agent has held many forage related programs on improving stands in a variety of ways for a variety of reasons. One sometimes tend to wonder if all that work has really been worth it, and then something happens to show that the effort put forth has not been in vain, that it really has made an impact on people. Recently while working at the county fair, the Edmonson County Ag Agent was approached by multiple individuals about how programmi
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Forages
After the untimely death of a local producer, the producer's daughter came home to help run the day to day operations of her family's farm. With little experience and knowledge of the crops and livestock on the farm, she reached out to the Woodford County Extension Service for assistance. After some one on one consultations with the agriculture and natural resources agent, she was encouraged to participate in several upcoming programs including the 2-day 2021 Kentucky Grazing
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Forages
Agriculture agents of Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8) joined forces to present a hands on program concerning forage just ahead of winter feeding. The skyrocketing cost of inputs, coupled with very poor growing conditions prompted W8 Agents to develop a hands on forage program. The program was hosted by the Metcalfe Co Cooperative Extension Service at the Metcalfe Co Farmer’s Market facility. Producers participated in mini sessions on optimal har
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Forages
Efficient use of available forages is key to a successful cattle operation. According to NASS data, six percent (7.049 acres) of Webster County cropland is in hay and pasture. In 2021, fertilizer prices were at a historic high and input availability was uncertain. Producers were looking for ways to produce quality forages under these economic conditions.Webster County cattle producers identified bale grazing as a priority program during a needs assessment session in the fall of
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
I held a program in response to a request from my county Saddle Club. But offered it to cover the topic as related to horses and other farm animals, specifically cattle. It was a hay program that covered how to identify hay, either standing in the field or more specifically in the bale; importance of knowing the quality of your hay, either raised personally or bought; what good quality hay is; what types and quality of hay are acceptable for specific species, and stages of live and uses of those
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Forages
Agriculture agents of Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8) joined forces to present a hands on program concerning forage just ahead of winter feeding. The skyrocketing cost of inputs, coupled with very poor growing conditions prompted W8 Agents to develop a hands on forage program. The program was hosted by the Metcalfe Co Cooperative Extension Service at the Metcalfe Co Farmer’s Market facility. Producers participated in mini sessions on optimal har
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
With over a quarter century serving forage producers in eastern Kentucky, the East Kentucky Hay Contest continues to turn new ground for Johnson County farmers. This year's sampling included three farmers who had never previously had forage testing done. This step alone is critical to helping them determine nutritional needs for their livestock, but the livestock are the second new area where the contest has been successful. One of the new producers raises hogs, one pleasure horses, and the
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Forages
The ANR agents of Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8) joined forces to present a hands-on program concerning forages just ahead of winter feeding. The skyrocketing cost of inputs, coupled with very poor growing conditions, prompted the W8 agents to develop the “Hayfields to Hay Rings” educational program. The program was held at the Metcalfe Co. Farmers’ Market facility. Forty-two producers participated in sessions on optimal harvest time
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Forages
For years, livestock farmers have been slow to adapt rotational grazing on their farms. Dunroven here in Lexington was no different; there were large numbers of cattle in large fields with not many interior rotational fences. After numerous farm visits and countless recommendations with the farm manager there, they finally decided to adopt a rotational grazing style system. Fences are being installed with extra watering locations as well. This will allow them to maintain,
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Forages
Drought Relief Meet The 2022 growing season was a challenge for most of Western Kentucky due to extreme dry weather. In many counties of Western Kentucky, it has become a very serious drought. Normally when people think of a drought, we immediately think about grain production, not livestock production. The way the weather patterns hit Western Kentucky you could have drought on one side of the county and enough rain to keep descen
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Forages
Post-Drought Hay and Pasture Meeting In the Summer and Fall of 2022 we experienced the worse drought conditions that we have experienced in over a decade. Calloway County stayed in a D-4 drought status for over 3 consecutive weeks and 6 weeks total according to the Farm Service Agency. This greatly limited most producers from harvesting an adequate supply of hay. Additionally, I noticed from visual observations that most producers had
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Forages
The timely nature of this meeting was able to grab the attention of many farmers that had not participated in extension programing in many years. It has lead to many good conversations and a couple of new farm visits and consultations. Some of the situations that producers have told me:Cattle Producer 1- Said this meeting prompted him to evaluate his winter hay supply vs. current consumption. When he did this he realized that he would not have the hay to make it to March without making changes.
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Forages
In late 2021, fertilizer prices reached an all-time high. As a result, many cattle farmers greatly reduced or skipped fertilizer applications in 2022. Without a change in management, disregarding soil fertility will result in a reduction in animal performance due to poor performance of forages. During the fall of 2022, the Adair County Extension ANR utilized data collected in previous years of bale grazing demonstrations and other published works to develop the program “C
Author: Alex Butler
Major Program: Forages
Hay feeding seasons in Kentucky can last anywhere from 90 days to 6 months, depending on several factors, including herd size, forage management, weather, and infrastructure. Shorter hay feeding seasons can give producers advantages in terms of production efficiency and input cost reduction. The Extension Agent, in partnership with specialists in Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, and Plant and Soil Sciences, have led a bale grazing trial with 4 Producers in Anderson County.
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forages
Five years ago, a local producer requested help to offer suggestions for his beef operation. He was very dissatisfied with how his herd was performing and the expense and management of the herd was taking more time and money than what he wanted. After evaluating the herd, it was determined that reproduction left unmanaged was the main problem and it was suggested to enroll the herd into the East KY Integrated Reproductive Management Program. After one year under this protocol,
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Forages
The 2022 Hay Day was hosted by the Weinel family in Campbell County. This was a wonderful event with a great attendance of over 150 people. A farm tour was offered on hay wagons that showcased the Weinel’s herd of Hereford cattle, the crabgrass grazing plot and johnsongrass control plot. A discussion was led by Ty McGuire, Vitaferm, regarding the importance of providing mineral for cattle and what options were on the market to combat issues like fly control and fescue toxicity. Michelle Si
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Forages
Menifee County has been home to Yaks for 8 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 Stockton
Major Program: Forages
Weed management in pastures and hayfields continue to be an area of importance to livestock producers. There are several factors that tend to lead to this such as fertility, overgrazing, and just an overall lack of a pasture management plan. Newsletter articles are written on a regular basis about weed management. Also many farm visits tend to focus on weed issues in the pasture or hayfield. Thirty-six producers attended a pasture weed management program in March. Twenty seven of those producers
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: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Forages
Farm fertility programs have always been an important management program for farming operations. Montgomery County takes in between 250 to 300 soil samples per year. This tool allows farmers to dial in their fertility program for each crop that is grown on their operation. By applying a proper amount of fertilizer farmers can ensure what is only needed to grow their specific crops. The soil test recommendations are research based so that each farmer can apply fertilizer based on their crop
Author: Kelsey Marcum
Major Program: Forages
Forages are the base for most cattle operations in the Lake Cumberland area. Forages are the most economical way for most beef farmers to put pounds on calves and increase production on their farming operation. With the production of forages comes many challenges as well, in the form of weather, fertilizer prices, weeds, and proper establishment and maintenance of forages.During the winter of 2023, Russell, Casey, Pulaski, and McCreary counties held a 4 part forage series that was ai
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: Forages
Forages are the base for most cattle operations in the Lake Cumberland area. Forages are the most economical way for most beef farmers to put pounds on calves and increase production on their farming operation. With the production of forages comes many challenges as well, in the form of weather, fertilizer prices, weeds, and proper establishment and maintenance of forages.During the winter of 2023, Russell, Casey, Pulaski, and McCreary counties held a 4 part forage series that was ai
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Forages
Forages are the base for most cattle operations in the Lake Cumberland area. Forages are the most economical way for most beef farmers to put pounds on calves and increase production on their farming operation. With the production of forages comes many challenges as well, in the form of weather, fertilizer prices, weeds, and proper establishment and maintenance of forages.During the winter of 2023, Russell, Casey, Pulaski, and McCreary counties held a 4 part forage series that was ai
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Forages
Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction started as only Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties. Today the cooperating counties are Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe. The anticipated annual event is something both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Seemingly each year presents undesirable weather conditions that brings about a forage supply shortage for some producers. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurate
Author: Timothy Estes
Major Program: Forages
Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction started as only Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties. Today the cooperating counties are Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe. The anticipated annual event is something both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Seemingly each year presents undesirable weather conditions that brings about a forage supply shortage for some producers. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurate
Author: Tracie Goodman
Major Program: Forages
Forages are the base nutritional component of most cattle operations in the Lake Cumberland area. Forages are the most economical way for beef producers to put pounds on calves and increase their production. Forage management presents many challenges as well, including: weather, fertilizer prices, weed management, and proper establishment and maintenance.During the winter of 2023, Russell, Casey, Pulaski, and McCreary counties held a 4 part forage series that was aimed at helping local farmers b
Author: Charles May
Major Program: Forages
This spring the Perry County Extension Service teamed up with Meade Tractor of Hazard, the Mountain Cattlemen Association, Kentucky Cattlemen Association and UK Extension Forage Specialists, to conduct a forage event and equipment demonstration. The event was held at the Perry County Extension Service Annex. This event was developed as a response to the July 28, 2022, eastern Kentucky flood. It was an educational event that instructed forage producers how t
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Forages
In 2022, the Adair County Agriculture Advisory Council identified weed control in hay and pasture fields as an emerging issue facing Adair County livestock producers. Over the past decade buttercup has continued to increase across pastures and in more recent year’s poison hemlock and been a threat to not only forages bases, but also livestock in general.In 2023, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Adair County Soil Conservation district on an effort t
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Forages
Horses dominate the livestock landscape in Oldham County. The market value of horses sold in Oldham County was over 6.3 million dollars, according to the 2017 U.S. Agriculture Census, ranking Oldham County 6th in Kentucky. In Oldham and neighboring counties, cattle, horses, sheep, and goats represent a major segment of farm production. While different in many respects, all livestock have the common need of a good forage base for good nutrition. For cattle, sheep, and goa
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Forages
The ANR Equine Agents Working Group, Extension Specialists and Associates, planned the annual Pastures Please! Workshop. This was the 16th year for the workshop and typically takes place at one of the extension offices in central KY. As a result of efforts from the working group, this year the workshop was held in two locations - Fayette County and Livingston County. In the future the group would like to add a location in eastern KY. This workshop typically focuses on horse pasture management an
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Forages
Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction started as only Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties. Today the cooperating counties are Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe. The anticipated annual event is something both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Seemingly each year presents undesirable weather conditions that brings about a forage supply shortage for some producers. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurate
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forages
Weed pressure in grazed pastures has increased in recent years due to many factors that include overgrazing, low fertility, and a lack of grazing management. Many annual weeds can be controlled with an early spring herbicide application. But many perennial weeds require a different timing of herbicide application to be effective. The Bracken County Extension Service along with a local producer set up a demonstration dividing a pasture that had a high population of tall iron wee
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: Forages
Producing high quality hay has been at the forethought of many hay and livestock producers here in Eastern Kentucky. Over recent years a large percentage of our primary hay ground has been affected and/or damaged by flood waters. Experiencing this has led to specialist, agents, area equipment representatives and producers to join together to establish a program to educate area producers on ways the quality of the hay can be improved through the use of proper techniques and equipment. On June 1,
Author: Reed Graham
Major Program: Forages
Producing high quality hay has been at the forethought of many hay and livestock producers in Eastern Kentucky. Over recent years a large percentage of our primary hay ground has been affected and/or damaged by flood waters. Experiencing this has led to specialist, agents, area equipment representatives and producers to join together to establish a program to educate area producers on ways the quality of the hay can be improved through the use of proper techniques and equipment. On June 1,  
Author: Paul Sizemore
Major Program: Forages
The problemProducing high quality forage has been at the forethought of many producers in Eastern Kentucky. Over recent years a large percentage of our primary hay fields has been affected and/or damaged by flood waters.The educational program responseExperiencing this has led to specialist, agents, area equipment representatives and producers to join together to establish a program to educate area producers on ways the quality of the hay can be improved through the use of proper techniques and
Author: Charles May
Major Program: Forages
Producing high quality hay has been at the forethought of many hay and livestock producers in Eastern Kentucky. Over recent years a large percentage of our primary hay ground has been affected and/or damaged by flood waters. Experiencing this has led to specialist, agents, area equipment representatives and producers to join together to establish a program to educate area producers on ways the quality of the hay can be improved through the use of proper techniques and equipment. On June 1,2023 H
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Forages
The Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction started as only Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties. Today the cooperating counties are Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe. The anticipated annual event is something both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to rely on. Each year presents unfavorable weather conditions that result in a forage supply shortage for a number some livestock producers. The auction system allows the hay supply and demand to accurately drive the mar
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Forages
Producing high quality hay has been at the forethought of many hay and livestock producers in Eastern Kentucky. Over recent years a large percentage of our primary hay ground has been affected and/or damaged by flood waters. Experiencing this has led to specialist, agents, area equipment representatives and producers to join together to establish a program to educate area producers on ways the quality of the hay can be improved through the use of proper techniques and equipment. On June 1,  
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
A Johnson County farmer reached out to Extension in fall 2022 needing help with johnsongrass in his hayfield. After consulting with two forage specialists, the ANR agent determined that the field was a good candidate for Roundup-ready alfalfa. This would allow the farmer to simultaneously generate high-quality forage while creating a herbicide treatment option for suppressing the noxious johnsongrass infestation. After completing soil testing and fertilization, the farmer seeded the alfalfa in s
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Forages
Madison County is the third largest county for beef cattle production in the state of Kentucky. Forage management and utilization is an important part of producing livestock in an efficient and profitable manner. However, proper forage use and animal performance is not maximized unless rotational grazing practices are implemented. This requires the use of correctly selected and constructed fences. There are various types of fence options and associated costs pertaining to installation and mainte
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Forages
Kentucky has long been recognized as a leader in forage production across the United States and the World. Being located in the transition zone between north and south adaptation areas enables many species of forage plants to be produced here. The University of Kentucky has a well-established history of innovation in the forage industry including Extension outreach and plant breeding programs that yield new and improved varieties across a host of forage species important to the livestock industr
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Contributors: Chris Teutsch, Ray Smith, and Jimmy HenningIn 2017, we established the KYForages YouTube Channel. The impact of this endeavor continues to grow. Our subscribers have almost tripled in the past four years to over 4,100. In this reporting period, content from this channel has been viewed more 191,000 times with an average watch time of just over 13 minutes resulting in a total watch time that exceeds 2.5 million minutes. The United States and Canada make up 79
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Contributors: Chris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, and Ray Smith Livestock producers in Kentucky face both short- and long-term change as weather patterns shift and markets fluctuate. Realizing this, we designed a conference focusing on the profitability of grazing systems from the soil up. Topics included an introduction to soil health, myths that impact profitability, right sizing cows, novel strategies for building soil fertility, and reducing hay feeding in grazing systems. This conferen
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Contribuors: Chris Teutsch and Morgan Hayes, University of Kentucky, and Jeremy McGill, Gallagher Electric fencing is a powerful tool for managing grazing. In 2023, working with Dr. Hayes from the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, T.J Adkins from Pulaski County Extension, and Jeremy McGill from Gallagher Fencing, we held a hands-on Electric Fencing School on a farm near Nancy, KY. After presentations on electric fencing theory and installation, students head
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Specialists Involved: Jimmy Henning, Chris Teutsch, Jeff Lehmkulher, Bob Coleman and Ken Andries (Morehead 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 28 years ago involving three counties and h
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred FarmSpecialists 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. Fie
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Agent-Specialist project presents at International ConferenceUK Baleage Research Increases ProfitabilitySpecialists and Agents Involved: Jimmy Henning, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Brandon Sears, Don Sorrell, Corinne Belton, Levi Berg, April WilhoitRound bale silage (baleage) is high moisture forage that is baled and wrapping in plastic so that it undergoes anaerobic fermentation. This practice is very beneficial to forage-livestock producers because it allows forage to be cut at more optimum stages of matu
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Conferences on Grazing and Alfalfa meet producer needsSpecialists involved: Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith, Chris TeutschProducer leadership of the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council identified high priority educational needs in grazing and in alfalfa and stored feed production for Kentucky. UKY forage specialists used these priorities to create and implement educational programs in the fall and winter of 2022-2023 to meet producer needs. These programs featured a diverse group of speakers from the
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
Online Forages Training for Small Ruminant Producers goes live in late 2022.Specialists involved: Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith, Chris TeutschSheep and goats comprise a small but growing and profitable enterprise in Kentucky. The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Association and the UKY forages group cooperated to produce an online course for small ruminant producers to be a part of the Master Small Ruminant Producer series. New videos and publications were developed to comprise a comprehensive forage course f
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
UK Specialist/Agent/Industry Partnership Results in successful hay day at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability: Improving Hay quality for the producer and consumer in Eastern KentuckyUK Personnel Involved: Jimmy Henning, Bob Coleman, Jessica Morris, Reed Graham, Charles May, Sarah Fanin, Paul Sizemore, Wade Turner, Daniel WilsonProducing high quality hay has been a priority of many hay and livestock producers in Eastern Kentucky for over two decades as a result of the succ
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Contributors: Chris 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 2018. In this reporting period, we held four fencing schools with than 120 total participants. These programs focused on the proper installation of modern fencing tech
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Contributors: Chris Teutsch, Jimmy Henning, Smith, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Donna Ammarl-Phillips, Katie VanValin, Morgan Hayes, A, Kevin Laurent, John Grove, Greg Halich, and Edwin Ritchey, University of Kentucky, Jeremy McGill, Gallagher Fencing, and Adam Jones, Kentucky NRCS The Kentucky Beginning Grazing School was established in 1996. This two-day workshop provides new livestock producers with critical skills needed for designing and implementing a rotational grazing system. It con
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
We can be especially proud of the successful XXV International Grassland Congress (IGC) that was recently held in Covington, KY May 14-19. I say “we” because it was definitely a team effort. This Congress would not have happened without the support of many volunteers including KY county agents, KFGC members, University personnel, AFGC Executive Director Tina Bowling, and many others. Dr. Ken Quesneberry, who is a graduate from UK and has been a forage breeder at Univ. of Florida for
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
University of Kentucky Forage Specialists and Associates worked with the national Alliance for Grassland Renewal to host the first ever Equine Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue Renovation workshop on January 25, 2023. This workshop included speakers from across the country. Participants included horse owners and farm managers from many states as well as extension agents. After the workshop, attendees had a much better understanding of managing existing toxic tall fescue stands and how to establish and
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
University of Kentucky forage specialists have been distributing a monthly forage newsletter called Forage News for almost 50 years. This publication highlights applied research findings from the UK forage group and the USDA-ARS forage animal production research unit located on UK's campus. The focus of the publication is to provide useful information that can be applied "on-farm" by Kentucky farmers. It is distributed to over 2200 people each month through a combination of emails
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
The UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program had another strong evaluation season during the summer of 2023. This program began in 2005 as part of Equine Programs to develop stronger ties with Kentucky’s horse industry. The program focuses on the following objectives:• Providing detailed pasture management recommendations to horse farm owners and managers.• Improving pastureland by increasing forage quality and quantity and reduce the need for stored feeds, such as hay and grain.&bull
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: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Forages
Producers began a few years ago taking 2-3 cuttings of hay as summer rains were very plentiful. Now we have fields that are dragging in yields, very poor stand of cool season grasses, and lacking fertilizer. After numerous meetings, numerous farm visits, we began to gather information on; soil test results, 'weed identification', loss of production and new but tried and true management practices to get back on track with hay production. The old saying repeti
