Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Livestock Production
Susan Fox
Beef
Forages
Livestock and other products from 98 farms in Lyon County contribute the 22% of the market value for agricultural sales for a total of $1,322,00. There were 4,072 head of cattle and calves in the 2018 Ag Statistics Report. Hay was harvested on 5,500 acres. profit margins are tight for beef cattle operations. Many opportunities exist to improve forage production, nutrition including energy and minerals, genetics and improve reproduction. Farmers will improve animal health and reproduction, improve forage yields and quality and increase calving and weaning rates to improve profitability.
Forage quality improved on forage samples, reproductive rate and calving rates improved increasing income to beef cattle producers.
Improved forage stands due to proper establishment and maintenance practices.
Producers implementing managed grazing practices.
Genetics matched to management and the environment.
Increased days of grazing.
Increased marketing opportunities.
Reduced environmental impact.
Farmers implementing changes in production, utilizing practices shown to be advantageous through research.
Farmers following soil fertility recommendations.
Use of diagnostic services to identify weeds.
Trail of alternative or improved forages for grazing or forage production.
Improved body condition scores.
Use of alternative forage species to fill gaps.
Improved managed grazing.
Implement controlled breeding and improve production efficiency.
Farmers participating in forage testing and beef cattle meetings, webinars and programs.
Awareness of forage variety trial information, understanding of how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species, enhanced knowledge of grazing management, awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding to minimize losses, understanding of pasture renovation and forage establishment practices.
How to read a feed tag
Vaccination protocols understanding
Early recognition of calving problems, managing dystocia
Understanding body condition scoring.
Initial Outcome: Farmers understanding vaccination protocols, feed tags, understanding of calving problems, body condition scoring.
Indicator: Participation in webinars, forage testing, meetings.
Method: survey
Timeline: Winter
Intermediate Outcome: Alternative forages planted, improvements in yields
Indicator: Alternative forages utilized, yield increases, management changes
Method: Individual reports
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: Improved herd health, forage quality and quantity, improved income.
Indicator: Practices implemented, animal health, farmer income
Method: Survey, farmer discussions.
Timeline: Winter 2024
Audience: Beef and forage producers
Project or Activity: Improve forage quality and quantity
Content or Curriculum: Grazing management, variety selection, fertility management, harvest and storage methods.
Inputs: Forage testing, soil testing, farm visits, newsletters, webinars, farm field days, winter meetings.
Date: Year round.
Audience: Beef producers
Project or Activity: Herd health and reproduction improved
Content or Curriculum: Genetics, mineral nutrition, herd breeding management
Inputs: Webinars, newsletters, Facebook postings, individual discussions.
Date: Spring 2021
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
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. Low potassium will prevent nitrogen fertilizer from having its full yield-enhancing effect. A spring article sent to 77 farmers highlighted that many farmers underfertilize with potassium. The agent also discussed the findings with a local farmer and subsequently with the farmer's crop advisor. The field was soil tested and rec
