Extension
It Starts With Us
Beef Production and Management
Agriculture
ANR
Beef
Forages
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.
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
Better utilize forage
Use temporary fencing
Implement a managed grazing system
Utilize alternative forages
Test soils
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
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: Summer of 2018
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: Fall 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
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 2018
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Grazing Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Master Grazer
Inputs: Host Farms, UK Specialist
Date: Summer of 2018
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Grazing Schools
Content or Curriculum: Master Grazer Program
Inputs: UK Farm, UK Specialist,
Date: Fall of 2018
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Beef
Demonstration leads to InstallationAfter last winter, mud control was a major concern for many area beef producers going into the 2018 – 2019 winter feeding season. Many producers have tried various options to help with winter feeding, but often fall short due to improper design or incorrect installation of the practices.One group of cattle producers from Bracken County attended the fall Open House at the Eden Shale farm hosted by the KY Beef Network. This group had a
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Beef
Winter weather conditions have become much wetter in recent years resulting in extremely muddy, and stressful situations for beef cattle. Not only are farmers dealing with illness, lost production and even death loss, but pastures are being destroyed and are left unproductive and weed infested during the summer. The loss of grass stands and increased mud also results in runoff and pollution of waterways. Through a grant provided by the On Farm Water Management Pr
