Forages and Crop Management
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Harned
Forages
Integrated Pest Management
Hemp
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Forages are by far the largest crop grown in the county, both as pasture and stored feed, i.e. hay, baleage, silage, etc. Grain production is not a significant enterprise within the county, being grown commercially by fewer than 5 producers and mostly for on farm use or sold to a local company, other that as silage, by 5-7 in small acreages, so educational information for those crops are delivered more on an individual basis as needed or requested. However there does seem to be a renewed interest in grains and legumes as cover crops and for inter-seeding into pastures for winter grazing. With the recent federal leagislation legalizing hemp prodution, there has been several locally express interest in growing hemp. There is a also a local company that is going to attempt to become a processor and make CBD oil, as well as other products from hemp.
By putting new and/or improved production practices and products, of whatever type, into use in their yearly operations, the producers will see an increase in the quantity and quality of their crops in a very sustainable manner. When this occurs, the income for the producer should also increase creating the opportunity for a better lifestyle for them and their families. We will continue to work with hemp producers that are still growing the crop and the processor.
There will be a continued increase in adopting new research based production improvements, practices and technologies. There will also be an increase in the number of producers adopting new varieties, and maybe even species, that are not currently being used in the county or region. These changes will be based on their improved understanding of why these are good changes to adapt into their production system. Hopefully, we will continue to work with successful hemp producers and the processor if they come into operation.
Forage producers will continue to attend classes and programs related to their product to gain information and skills needed to increase production, both with quality and quantity. As more GMO seeds and other scientific and/or technological advances for forages come onto the market, so does the need to continually educate the producers about the production values as well as the social values, both positives and negatives. Re-enforcement will also continue to be presented as to the positive effects for traditional production improvements such as soil testing, forage quality testing, correct seeding, etc. This will include educating local farm supply stores on the benefits of offering these new or improved seeds, equipment, etc. We will work with and offer access to educational opportunities local land owners as they explore getting started in the production of hemp. This is in addition to working with the processor who is attempting to start up.
Initial Outcome: Increased production of hay/pasture and quality of the forage produced, and better and more weed control in forage fields and crops, as well as more targeted fertilization
Indicator: More quantity and higher quality of hay being produced with less weeds
Method: Personal contact with producers, forage testing for quality, number of soil samples performed
Timeline: Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Increase in number of producers haveing forages tested, soil smaples tested, and implementing weed control practices
Indicator: More producers adapting weed control measures, as needed, to improve stand quality
Method: Personal contact with producers, forage testing for quality, number of soil samples performed
Timeline: Ongoing
Long-term Outcome: The overall long term quality and quantity of forages remains at a high level, with better weed control
Indicator: Continued production of high quality forage and sustained higher quantity
Method:Personal contact with producers, forage testing for quality, number of soil samples performed
Timeline: Continuous
Audience: Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Annual Eastern Kentucky Hay Testing Program and Contest
Content or Curriculum: Understanding Hay Test Results publication
Inputs: Agent taking samples, state specialists, KDA testing for free
Date: Fall annually
Audience: Farmers in Boyd County
Project or Activity: Free soil testing with test being paid for by Conservation and Farm Bureau
Content or Curriculum: Understanding soil test results pub and personal contact
Inputs: Agent, Extension Office, Conservation Office and County Farm Bureau (split costs)
Date: Annually
Audience: Land owners, farmers and producers
Project or Activity: Demonstration plots on various cover crop options
Content or Curriculum: Production examples of various species selected
Inputs: Seed, cooperators, Extension agent, specialists, Extension owned property
Date: 2020-2024
Audience: Hemp producers and processor
Project or Activity: Will offer educational programs as needed, as well as facilitate attending regional programs
Project or Activity: Will attempt to establish demonstration plots
Inputs: Seeds, clones, agent, specialists, processor, Extension property
Date:2021-2023
Audience: Forage and Forage Animal Producers, General Public
Project or Activity: Forage Demonstration Plots
Content or Curriculum: Developed in conjunction with UK Forage Specialist
Inputs: State specialists, facilities, etc.
Date: Annually
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
As in the 25 years past, fall brought about the annual East Kentucky Hay Contest, just on an adjusted timeline. However, this year was significantly different, at least for us agents and our Forage Specialists contacts. For the forage producers, nothing much changed on their end. First, we are dealing with a new testing lab and a 2nd year forage specialist who coordinates the program. And as with many things, when new people are involved, they bring new ideas and ways of doing things. This
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
About a year and a half ago I received a phone call from a local farmer I had worked with in the past. He had a high pressure gas transmission line that ran through his property behind his home, and the ground around it had started to slip. As you can imagine he was very concerned on several different levels.I went to his farm and we examined the situation. He had already contacted the gas company, but was wanting my advice on what needed to be done and how he could keep that acreage productive