Morgan County CES

Title:

Livestock Forage Interface

MAP:

Improved Production & Marketing of Morgan County Beef & Forage Enterprises

Agents Involved:

Sarah Fannin

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management

Situation:

Beef cattle and forage production remain the staples of Morgan County’s agricultural economy. According to UK Forage Extension specialists, KY farmers are only utilizing about one third of the forages they are producing. Much of the forage consumed by our livestock is too low quality to meet expected performance requirements. There is a disconnect between management strategies that enhance forage productivity, utilization and persistence along with efforts to optimize animal performance. Extension leaders recognize need for the Morgan County Extension Educational Farm to be developed to demonstrate best management practices.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Livestock and forage farms will see increased income by improving existing operations or adding new enterprises.
2. Farming in Morgan County will retain its status as a significant contributor to the local economy.
3. Improved forage stands, soil health and reduced soil erosion.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Farmers will streamline business operating costs and/or gain confidence to implement new practices or new enterprises including an ag water quality BMP, follow soil sample results, implemented grazing plan and use of proper forage establishment methods.
2. Producers will utilize proven agronomic principles, grazing practices, forage species selection, livestock genetics, nutrition & health managment and marketing plans.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will have knowledge and skills needed to evaluate their operations and make decisions concerning practices needed to improve the profitability and diversity of their hay enterprise or livestock operations. Producers will understand the importance of increasing production per animal to achieve farm profitability. They will also gain knowledge as to the importance of achieving a lower input, higher output forage system and consider non traditional forages and methods

Evaluation:

Long-term Outcome: Livestock and forage farms will see increased income by improving existing operations or adding new enterprises.

Indicator: # of farms reporting increased profit as a result of practice change

Method: pre & post survey

Timeline: Nov, 2017 & Nov, 2020

Intermediate Outcome: Producers will utilize proven principles.

Indicator: Improved quality and quantity of hay, increased numbers of farmers utilizing fertility management practices.

Method: Previous hay test results compared to current ones, # of soil samples

Method: comparative studies

Timeline: Nov, 2017 & Nov, 2020

Initial Outcome: Producers will have knowledge and skills needed to evaluate their operations

Indicator: # of farmers reporting planned changes as result of educational activities

Method: agent survey

Timeline: June, 2017

Increased numbers of participants at Extension Farm events.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: livestock & hay producers

Project or Activity: Master Hay Maker /East Ky Grazing School

Content or Curriculum: Master Hay Maker & Master Grazer

Inputs: Extension farm, specialists

Date: Fall, 2017

Audience:

Project or Activity: Mountain Cattlemen’s Association

Content or Curriculum: various topics

Inputs: specialist, KCA

Date: quarterly meetings

Audience: beef & livestock producers

Project or Activity: Field Day/On farm demonstration/Beef Shortcourse/Heifer Development

Content or Curriculum: Pasture to Plate, BQA, KBN, Growing Good Hay series

Inputs: BQA materials

Date: July, 2017 and May, 2018

Audience: hay producers

Project or Activity: use of Extension farm, county equipment use

Content or Curriculum: no til planter, hay wrapper demos

Inputs: Extension equipment, CAIP program

Date: ongoing

Success Stories