Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
Control of weeds in hay and pasture fields has been an issue for decades. Herbicides that kill target weeds can also damage or kill desirable forage species. Sprays may also drift off-target and damage adjacent fields. When the weeds are taller than the forages, a "weed wiper" implement can be a very effective solution to these issues. It uses a roller coated in a spongy material that is saturated with a broad-spectrum herbicide like glyphosate. The height of the roller can be adjusted
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Forages
"Livingston County ANR: A Nitrate Nightmare"A collaborative effort from Livingston County ANR helped a local hay producer overcome a challenging situation.This producer, a dedicated cash hay producer in our county, faced an unprecedented challenge when a drought struck our region during May and June. He had planted a promising crop of Sudan grass to harvest as hay for his beef cattle and his client’s cattle. However, the prolonged drought had stunted its growth, and the Sudan gra
Author: Brittany Brewer
Major Program: Forages
With inflation and extreme weather farmers are having to learn how to adapt and change. Many farmers in the Bluegrass region rely on forages. Whether they raise livestock, bale hay, or use cover crop techniques forages can be involved. Farmers have had to adapt new management strategies and perspectives to raise quality livestock and still make a living. In response to these problems, the Scott County Extension Office and the Scott County Beef Improvement Association partner together
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Forages
Educating cattle farmers is a high priority in Oldham County. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, cattle ranked 3rd in Oldham County for market value of products sold, representing over 2.6 million dollars. Oldham County beef producers include commercial operations, seedstock operations, plus several beef producers selling to customers in Louisville and surrounding suburbs. Good forage production and management are key in producing daily gains for animal growth and are
Author: Nat Colten
Major Program: Forages
Sustainable pasture, and grazing, management is critical to a thriving landscape in Kentucky. Over 4 million acres in the state are occupied by pastureland which supports the largest supply of beef cattle east of the Mississippi river and a growing number of sheep and goat farms. Extension staff at Kentucky State University are partnering with Extension staff at the University of Kentucky to create pasture management learning opportunities catered to historically underserved audiences.A series o
Author: Jason Vaughn
Major Program: Forages
Understanding a producer’s forage quality is the backbone of providing a balanced nutrition plan. Hay testing can provide data that producers and Cooperative Extension Agents use to ensure the nutritional needs of the animal are being met. Without a test, farmers are blindly feeding leading to wasted resources. The Central Kentucky Hay Contest was created to generate friendly competition among producers and educate producers about forage test analysis and the economic imp
Author: Joseph Ray
Major Program: Forages
Understanding a producer’s forage quality is the backbone of providing a balanced nutrition plan. Hay testing can provide data that producers and Cooperative Extension Agents use to ensure the nutritional needs of the animal are being met. Without a test, farmers are blindly feeding leading to wasted resources. The Central Kentucky Hay Contest was created to generate friendly competition among producers and educate producers about forage test analysis and the economic imp
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Forages
Understanding a producer’s forage quality is the backbone of providing a balanced nutrition plan. Hay testing can provide data that producers and Cooperative Extension Agents use to ensure the nutritional needs of the animal are being met. Without a test, farmers are blindly feeding, leading to wasted resources. The Central Kentucky Hay Contest was created to generate friendly competition among producers and educate producers about forage test analysis and the economic im
Author: Steven Musen
Major Program: Forages
Understanding a producer’s forage quality is the backbone of providing a balanced nutrition plan. Hay testing can provide data that producers and Cooperative Extension Agents use to ensure the nutritional needs of the animal are being met. Without a test, farmers are blindly feeding leading to wasted resources. The Central Kentucky Hay Contest was created to generate friendly competition among producers and educate producers about forage test analysis and the economic impact of
Author: William Adkins
Major Program: Forages
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Clay County Cooperative Extension Service and the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council (KFGC) held the Eastern Kentucky KFGC Field Day at the Bowling family’s Old Homeplace Farm in Oneida on Oct 3. The event featured a tour of the 90-acre pasture-based farm, cookout, and presentations on sustainable farming practices. The field day was an opportunity for farmers, livestock producers and consu
Author: Robert Amburgey
Major Program: Forages
The problemProducers struggle with proper pasture use and grazing management. As a result they continue to rely heavily on expensive feed alternatives when they could be better utilizing their pastures.The educational program responseUK forage specialists and NRCS personal participated in the Bath County field day program where they took producers I to the pastures on the host farm to discuss what management practices were being implemented and what practices could be adopted that would he
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
Over the past few years, a popular programming topic among farmers that I serve has been weed ID and control. I have held several weed ID and control classroom programs, as well as several in-the-field programs, at various times of the year. And I continue to receive more requests and inquiries on the topic. This past November we held a classroom program on Fall Weed Control and ID in. Once again it was very well attended with 20+, with lots
Author: Jay Hettmansperger
Major Program: Forages
The problemCattle producers struggle to balance forage production and cattle stocking rate on their pastures. Producers have a tendency to overstock their pastures which causes overgrazing. Overgrazing leads to thinning grass strands and poor production and less profits. The educational program responseThe Garrard, Lincoln, Mercer and Boyle County ANR Extension agents presented a Forage program on Forage production and Rotational Grazing. University of Kentucky Forage specialist pres
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Forages
Hay Auction 2024Madison county ranks in the top 5 in the state of Kentucky for hay with approximately 43,600 acres produced. 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 20th, 2024 our 17th annual hay auction took place with 74 different lots of hay and straw offered for sale. The Madison County ANR agent coordinated some deliveries, some load out, an
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Forages
The problemUnwanted weeds in pastures and hayfields limit production of desirable forage species. Producers are continually looking for options to control weeds in pastures and hay fields. The educational program responseAn educational program designed with hands-on weed ID and optional control recommendations was conducted. The participants/target audienceBeef producers/others interested in controlling unwanted weeds in pasture and hay fields. Other partners (if applicable)UK Ext
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Forages
The problemProducer pulled soil samples for a pasture field to receive fertilizer recommendations. After discussion with producer, upon delivering the results and fertilizer recommendations it was discovered that they had only pulled a few cores and in the "bad" areas of the field. The fertilizer recommendation was very high in regard to what would normally be recommended for pastures. The educational program responseThe producer was educated on the importance of pulli
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Forages
Understanding a producer’s forage quality is the backbone of providing a balanced nutrition plan. Hay testing can provide data that producers and Cooperative Extension Agents use to ensure the nutritional needs of the animal are being met. Without a test, farmers are blindly feeding leading to wasted resources. The Clark County Extension Office offered two ways for producers to understand their forage quality; free forage testing year-round and the Central KY Hay Testing.&
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Forages
The problem: High Fertilizer cost has made forage producers to make hard decisions in the last 2 years. Do they apply fertilizer to hay and pasture fields or not?The educational program response: For the past two years we have conducted several programs on the topic of improving forage quality when applying less fertilizer. We have focused on introducing Korean Lespedeza into pastures and hayfields because it will grow and perform good under low fertile soils. by introducing Korean Lespedeza wil
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
The number of calls for information and requests to use shared use no-till pasture/hay field seeders to County Extension Offices in our area got agents talking with each other. So, in conjunction with Dr, Jimmy Henning, the agents in Boyd, Carter and Greenup Counties planned and held a workshop on their use, calibration and simple maintenance of no-till seeders.No advance registration was required, and we thought that we would have about 30-35 attend. A quick head count at the workshop was 98 pe
Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: Forages
Kentucky has 90,000 stream miles and the number one pollutant in those steams is soil sediment. Sediment is soil lost due to erosion in heavy rainfall events, according to Amanda Gumbert Extension Water Quality Specialist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food & Environment. No-till seeding enables farmers to directly seed into the vegetation in the field without tilling the soil. Benefits of no-tillage include an increase in soil biological activity
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Forages
The Hay Day Field Day was a successful event that saw the participation of over 50 individuals, all with a shared interest in hay production. The event was an opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions and presentations on various topics related to hay production and marketing. Attendees learned about effective marketing strategies for hay, including different avenues to reach buyers and optimize sales. Additionally, there was a focus on establishing and managing alfalfa crops, covering
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Forages
Whether you have one acre or a thousand, i treat everyone the same. If its important to them, its important to me. I am slowly gaining the trust of the producers of Lincoln County. I have been working with a producer for the last three years on a hay field that is consistanly having problems. I have took soil test, had specialist come and look at the field, pulled in agronomist from industry level, and have studied research reports myself looking for answers. Through hard work, deadication, and
Author: Jacob Ison
Major Program: Forages
In Kentucky's 90,000 stream miles the number one pollutant is soil sediment. Sediment is soil lost due to erosion in heavy rainfall events, according to Amanda Gumbert Extension Water Quality Specialist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food & Environment. No-till seeding enables farmers to directly seed into the vegetation in the field without tilling the soil. Benefits of no-tillage include an increase in soil biological activity and organic matte
Author: Jay Hettmansperger
Major Program: Forages
The problemBeef producers don't just produce beef, they are also forage producers. Producing good forage is a key component to producing good beef economically. The most important step in making good forage is getting it cut early and sometimes that is difficult with the weather we get in Kentucky in early spring. One answer to that problem is cutting the hay and rolling it while it is still high moisture and then wrapping it with plastic. The hay then goes through an ensil
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Forages
The problem: Beef producers in Lee County have a very high stocking rate per acre. High stocking rates leads to low profits for beef producers.The educational program response: The Lee County Extension Service has addressed this issue with several programs such as Demonstrating to the beef producers how to measure the acreage on there farms to get a more accurate number of grazing acres. We have also demonstrated how to correctly measure the forage production on their farm. Several trainings has
Author: Shelby Cleaver
Major Program: Forages
On Thursday June 27th 2024 I held a farm field day for the first time in many years for Nicholas County. Myself, Dr. Smith and Dr. Coleman worked with a local hay producer on having a field day at their farm for "Producing hay for horse markets: Quality hay takes effort." JP Judge hosted this event at his farm where we had demos set up to show those that attended how they harvest their hay and put up the hay that they raise and sale to local horse farms and other producers. JP also had
Author: Gary Stockton
Major Program: Forages
Cattlemen across Boone County had long struggled with weed infestation in their pastures. Invasive species like thistles and ragweed were not only reducing available forage but also impacting the health of their livestock. Despite trying various methods to control the weeds, many found that nothing seemed to work effectivelyDuring the class, the cattlemen learned to identify the specific types of weeds that were plaguing their pastures. The instructors provided detailed information on the lifecy
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Forages
The problemProducing stored forages for livestock is one of the highest costs for cow/calf producers. A majority of the round bales produced sit outside after being baled thus exposing the forages to the weather. Studies have shown dry matter losses of up to 50% if stored in poor drainage areas with high rainfall. Not only is dry matter % affected forages can also lose crude protein content and TDN. The educational program responseA few of producers expressed interest in
Author: Paul Sizemore
Major Program: Forages
With the high prices of fertilizer in the last few years it has been financially difficult for many forage Producers to apply the proper nutrients to the soil to maximize yield and improve quality of their hay, this has led to a steady decline in the quality and yield of the forages they're producing therefore affecting the health of the herd they're feeding it to.Numerous classes were conducted to provide a more detailed explanation into soil testing to our Forage Producers.. Soil Testi
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
Every farm struggles to provide quality feed to its livestock, but in the steep terrain and poor soils of eastern Kentucky, that challenge is even greater. Working with the ANR agent and UK forage specialist, one Johnson County horse owner recently converted about 11 acres of hay ground to Roundup-Ready alfalfa to combat johnsongrass, but this successful effort also yielded a major benefit to his animals. Hay testing through the East Kentucky Hay Contest found that the resulting alfalfa hay had
Author: Miranda Rudolph
Major Program: Forages
If you are raising livestock you need clean water, good nutrition, and good fences. Often, producers spend a lot of time getting clean water and good nutrition right but neglect to put up what would be considered a good fence. Unfortunately, without good fences, livestock owners can find themselves having to go to a lot of trouble to keep their livestock on their property rather than on their neighbors, or worse on the road causing dangerous road hazards and potential legal issues. It doesn'
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Forages
The problemMeade 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 summer two alfalfa growers contacted this ANR agent about established alfalfa fields that were not growing well and look unhealthy. The educational program responseThis ANR agent made farm visits to the respective fields to discover the insect three cornered leafhopper was destroying thei
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: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
In 2017, we established the KYForages YouTube Channel. The impact of this endeavor continues to grow. Our subscribers have increased by almost five times since the channel was established to over 5,470. In this reporting period, content from this channel has been viewed more 171,000 times with an average watch time of just over 12 minutes resulting in a total watch time that exceeds 2.1 million minutes. The United States and Canada make up 77% of the total views with the
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
Electric fencing is a powerful tool for managing grazing. In 2024, working with Dr. Hayes from the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Greg Drake in Butler County Extension, and Jeremy McGill from Gallagher Fencing, we held a hands-on Electric Fencing School on a farm near Morgantown, KY. After presentations on electric fencing theory and installation, students headed to the field for the hands-on portion of the school. During this time, they learned about th
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
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 165 total participants. These programs focused on the proper installation of modern fencing technologies including fixed knot woven wire and electrified smooth high tensile fencing. The w
Author: Christopher Teutsch
Major Program: Forages
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. The curriculum has remained much the same for the past 28 years. In 2024, we redesigned the Kentucky Beginning Grazing School to focus on topics that would enable new and beginning graziers to have success. Topics covered included setting sustainable stocking rates, forage identification
Author: Patrick Hardesty
Major Program: Forages
Taylor County has approximately 20,000 acres of pastureland and 9,000 homes with lawns. The Taylor County Extension Office, Taylor County Cattlemen’s Association, and Taylor County Master Gardeners hosted a Hayfield and Lawn Walk Field Day with 42 participating. Participants learned how to control weeds in hayfields and lawns through proper identification, cultural and chemical control options. As a result of hosting the field day, the host has taught a weed identification
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Forages
The problemProducers 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. Educational ResponseAfter 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.
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Forages
The Campbell County Cattleman’s Association meets annually and typically boasts an attendance of 70 or more people at this gathering. There are 65 registered members with the Kentucky Cattleman’s Association. This audience is a good representation of the majority of farmers and operations in Campbell County since the soils within the county are basically Eden clay loam with approximately 60,000 acres with slopes between 12 and 35%. Due of the steepness of the land, cultivated crops a
Author: Morgan Hayes
Major Program: Forages
Many farmers are looking for assistance understanding how to build fence and understand the types and values of different fencing materials. The fencing schools allow for a classroom portion to explain some types of fencing materials and their costs, the basic structure of a fence (fixed know and electrified smooth wire high tensile) as well fencing law and new technologies in fencing. My talk is an introduction to fencing materials and their costs. The workshop also includes an afte
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Forages
East Kentucky Seeding Clinic Ninety eight farmers from Kentucky and West Virginia gathered at the Boyd County Extension Expo Center on January 30th for a no till establishment clinic to improve their knowledge of seeding options as well as the working details for a variety of seeding equipment. Organized by the Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup & Lawrence County Extension Offices, the event offered participants a unique opportunity to learn from experts, share experiences, and
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
Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023Specialists 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 contes
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
The UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program had another strong evaluation season during the summer of 2024. 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: 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 and specialists in other states. It is also a very useful publication to advertise our upcoming events. The focus of the publication is to provide useful information that can be applied "on-farm
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
The International Grassland Congress has been held every 3-4 years since 1927. Each Congress in recent years has had 650 to over 1,000 delegates. The most recent of these Congresses was held in Kentucky in May of 2023. At each Congress each presenter submits a manuscript on their research finding. These go into a Proceeding volume or pdf that is distributed at the meeting. These volumes have been valued by delegates returning from the Congresses, but until recently it was difficult for others to
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
University of Kentucky Forage Specialists and Associates worked with the national Alliance for Grassland Renewal to host the second Equine Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue Renovation workshop in January 2024 with over 120 people in attendance. 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 stan
Author: Samuel Smith
Major Program: Forages
In 2024, the 43th annual Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference was held in Bowling Green KY on Feb. 8, 2024 with over 120 people attending. This conference was a joint effort of the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, the UK Master Grazer program, and the UK Quality Hay for Horses program. The theme was “Getting Into the Hay Business”. Topics and speakers included: Operating a Major Hay and St
