Forages and Crop Management
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Harned
Forages
Integrated Pest Management
Soil testing
Hay testing
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 pet food company, other that as silage, so educational information for row crops are delivered 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. There is a local company that is attempting 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.
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.
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.
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:2022-24
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: 2022-24
Audience: Land owners, farmers and producers
Project or Activity: Demonstration plots on various forage and cover crop options
Content or Curriculum: Production examples of various species selected
Inputs: Seed, cooperators, Extension agent, specialists, Extension owned property
Date: 2022-2024
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: 2022-24
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
I offered a Forage Production program in response to many calls, emails and text I had received from, and general conversations I had with, local forage producers. This was a one evening, one time offering, at least at this point. It also counted as an educational component for the CAIP programWe had a nice turnout to learn more about general forage production practices and various areas involved in forage production. These included, soil fertility, fertilizer application, weed control, seeds an
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Soil testing
I have been working with a young farmer over the past few years, making visits and advising as he has grown his operation. He has attended very few offered programs due to his off-farm work. But lately he has attended a couple since he is seeing benefits from doing so. I have also been advising him to have soil tests done on his hay, pasture, corn, and bean fields, but he never wanted, or been able, to take the time. He just guessed at what his crops needed and applied accordingly. Well, th
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Forages
I have a farmer who called me a couple of years ago about a problem on his farm, and I have been working with, and advising him, related to it since that first call. He had a gas transmission line that ran through the top of a hill on his property above a pasture. There was a break of the earth that was starting to slide down the slope at the gas line, which was causing a danger to him and his home and neighbors as well.He called the gas company, and they came out and tried to convince him there