Extension
It Starts With Us
Forage Systems
Promoting Agricultural Sustainability
Kevin Lyons
Forages
Beef
Dairy
Situation: One of the two topics the Monroe County Agriculture Advisory Council suggested for more work and producer education, is the continuing decline in pasture production; both in yield and quality. As an integral part of any forage system for livestock; healthy pastures are required for maximum profitability. Farm income and net profit is declining do to the loss of tobacco income and the reduction in livestock prices. As livestock prices continue to fall, producers must find ways to remain profitable. With Monroe County being fifth in the state in number of beef cows and seventh in the state in number of dairy cows, livestock income is a major component of farm financial stability. This need to become better producers denotes the need for additional education in all phases of livestock production; particularly in forage systems; since feed cost is the primary input in livestock production.
Long-term Outcomes:
Increase in the number of livestock producers reporting they are maintaining or improving profitability
Improved pasture stands due to better management
Improved pastures as measured by using visual pasture condition scoring
Increased pounds of beef produced per acre or milk increases as reported by Monroe County livestock producers
Improvement in conception rates as reported by producers, local veterinaries, and AI technicians
Intermediate Outcomes:
Develop grazing plans
Decrease in amount and density of weeds in pastures
Improved soil test nutrient levels
Improved pH in pasture soil test levels
Increase in the number of livestock per acre
Increase in the number of dollars produced per acre
Initial Outcome:
Increase in the number of producers using more intensive rotational grazing systems
Increase in the number of producers using soil tests in their pastures
Increase in the number of producers using a comprehensive weed control program
Increase in active livestock producers attending Cattlemen’s meetings
Awareness of UK grazing management research
Evaluation:
Outcome: Increased sustainability of livestock operations
Indicator: Increase in production on Monroe County pastures
Method: Producer surveys
Timeline: 2018-2019
Evaluation:
Outcome: Increased livestock profitability
Indicator: Increase in the number of pounds of livestock/milk sold
Method: Producer reports
Timeline: 2017-2020
Evaluation: Improved pasture condition scores
Outcome: Number of pasture walks, producer opinions, and visual appearance
Indicator: Producer reports and observations
Method: Producer surveys, Pasture scoring by UK Extension
Timeline: 2017-2019
Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):
Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity: Pasture improvement topics at Cattlemen’s Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Grazing School topics
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and successful producers
Date: Fall 2017-2020
Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity: Pasture walks
Content or Curriculum: Visual identification of pasture problems
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and NRCS Grazing Specialist
Date: Summer 2018 and Summer 2019
Audience: General Agriculture
Project or Activity: Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Current pasture improvement topics
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and successful producers
Date: Summers 2018 & 2019
Audience: Forage producers and forage buyers
Project or Activity: Tri-County Hay Auction
Content or Curriculum: Various UK resources
Inputs: Kevin Lyons, Chris Schalk, Brandon Bell
Date: Fall – Winter 2018-2019
Audience: Livestock producers, students, and Ag. advisors
Project or Activity: Develop e-mail list for current activities and updates
Content or Curriculum: Various UK and other resources
Inputs: Kevin Lyons
Date: Winter 2018-2019
