Lyon County CES

Title:

Livestock Forages

MAP:

ANR Local Food Systems

Agents Involved:

Susan Fox

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Forages

Situation:

Forage and livestock management are vital to Kentucky's ag economy. As livestock margins tighten, management strategies that enhance forage productivity, utilization and persistence along with efforts to optimize animal performance will improve long-term viability of forage-based livestock systems.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices

Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock

Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Increased wildlife diversity

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing

Develop a grazing plan

Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production

Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Awareness of forage variety trial information

Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species

Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses

Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology

Identify opportunities for improving wildlife habitat with selected forages

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Understanding of the benefits of grazing management, variety trials and pasture renovation, wildlife habitat.

Indicator: Farmer responses.

Method: Survey

Timeline: 2018-2019

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Fencing plans developed, alternative forages for grazing, use of diagnostic services.

Method: Surveys and discussions with farmers.

Timeline: 2018-2019

Long-term Outcome: Improved profitability and environmental conditions.

Indicator: Improved weight gain, health of animals, condition of pastures and profitability.

Method: Observation and survey of farmer participants.

Timeline: 2018-2019

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:Producers

Project or Activity: Forage demonstration and on-farm field day.

Content or Curriculum: Variety selection, weed management, etc.

Inputs: UK Specialists and publications, research information, producers, NRCS.

Date: Summer 2018

Audience: Producers

Project or Activity: Newsletters, news articles

Content or Curriculum: Grazing management, forage species

Inputs: UK Specialists and publications, research information.

Date: 2018-2019