Bracken County CES

Title:

Beef Production and Management

MAP:

Agriculture

Agents Involved:

ANR

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

Situation:

Forage is the major agricultural resource in Bracken County with over 90,000 of pasture and over 20,000 acres of hay production. Utilization and management of these resources are very limited and there is tremendous opportunity to increase stocking rates and productivity per acre.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increased days of grazing

Decrease feed costs

Improved profitability

Reduced environmental impact

Replacement of KY 31 Fescue with Novel Endophyte Fescue

Sustainability of ranch/herd

Long term viability

Producers save money by making informed selection decisions

Intermediate Outcomes:

Better utilize forage
Use temporary fencing
Implement a managed grazing system
Utilize alternative forages
Test soils

Initial Outcomes:

Increased knowledge and awareness of:
-physiology of forage growth
-grazing math
-shade and water
-parasite control
-animal health disorders from forage
-rotational grazing systems
-temporary fencing
-forage types for grazing systems

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: An understanding of grass growth and how to best manage it.

Indicator: Plans for rotational grazing and seeding of improved varieties

Method: Producer reports, request for assistance

Timeline: Fall of 2017

Intermediate Outcome: Alternative summer forages added and utilized

Indicator: Planting of summer annuals and perennials to use in July and August

Method: Request the number acres planted and type of forage

Timeline: Summer of 2018

Long-term Outcome: Reduced number of hay feeding days

Indicator: Program participants report on the number of days hay is feed compared to previous years.

Method: Mailed survey of participants

Timeline: Spring of 2019

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef producers and Cow / Calf operators
Project or Activity: Classroom sessions
Content or Curriculum: Master Grazer
Inputs: County Offices, UK Specialist
Date: Fall of 2017

Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Grazing Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Master Grazer
Inputs: Host Farms, UK Specialist
Date: Fall of 2017

Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Grazing Schools
Content or Curriculum: Master Grazer Program
Inputs: UK Farm, UK Specialist,
Date: Spring of 2018

Success Stories