Livestock Forages
ANR Local Food Systems
Susan Fox
Forages
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.
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
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
Develop a grazing plan
Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production
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
Initial Outcome: Understanding of the benefits of grazing management, variety trials and pasture renovation, wildlife habitat.
Indicator: Farmer responses.
Method: Survey
Timeline: 2019-2020
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Fencing plans developed, alternative forages for grazing, use of diagnostic services.
Method: Surveys and discussions with farmers.
Timeline:2019-2020
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: 2019-2020
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 2019
Audience: Producers
Project or Activity: Newsletters, news articles
Content or Curriculum: Grazing management, forage species
Inputs: UK Specialists and publications, research information.
Date: 2019-2020
Author: Susan Fox
Major Program: Forages
University of Kentucky research has shown that soil potassium plays a key role in reducing broomsedge in forage stands and increasing yields from cool season forages. A spring article sent to 77 farmers highlighted that many farmers underfertilize with potassium. Low potassium will prevent nitrogen fertilizer from having its full yield enhancing effect. The results of Extension research on the use of fertilizers for broomsedge control was shared with producers in a newsletter. The agent also dis