Extension
It Starts With Us
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Livestock Producers
Livestock Production Sustainability
Hamilton & Comer
Beef
Forages
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Livestock and Forage management are vital to Montgomery County's Agricultural economy. As livestock margins tighten, management strategies that enhance forage productivity, utilization and persistence along with efforts to optimize animal performance will improve long-term viability of forage-based livestock systems in the county.
Enhance profit margins for livestock producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems
Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices
Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock
Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices
Improved soil health and reduced erosion
Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock
Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds
Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing
Develop a grazing plan
Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder
Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations
Promote special marketing oportunities
Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management
Awareness of forage variety trial information
Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species
Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species
Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses
Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices
Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology
Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management
Awareness of forage variety trial information
Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species
Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species
Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses
Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices
Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology
Identify opportunities for improving wildlife habitat with selected forages
Indicator: Increased activity in livestock and forage
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2021-2024
Intermediate Outcome: Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock
Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds
Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing
Develop a grazing plan
Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder
Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations
Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2021-2024
Long-term Outcome: Enhance profit margins for livestock producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems
Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices
Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock
Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices
Improved soil health and reduced erosion
Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2021-2024
Audience: Farmers, Agribusinesses, Managers
Project or Activity: Forage/Livestock Curriculum
Content or Curriculum: Multiple timely sessions on forage and livestock production
Inputs: UK specialists, co-workers, ag agencies, successful producers
Date: 2021-2024
Audience: 4-H and FFA livestock members
Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Project
Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H Animal Science curriculum
Inputs: Certified Livestock Volunteer to teach, coordinate, and approve required educational hours and quality learning experiences for 4-H members
Date: 2022-2024
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Beef
The Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association is a very active commodity group that is supported by the Extension Service. They sponsor a tour every year for their members to see and learn what others are doing. In 2024, 21 of its over 200 members conducted a very enjoyable and educational tour entitled "Virginia Farm and History Tour". On this tour they visited the Bill McDonald Beef Cattle Farm in Blacksburg, VA.; The Virginia Tech Research Farm; the Historical Smithfield Plant
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Forages, Beef Cattle and Grain Crops are the staple crops of the Gateway Area farm economy. Over the past 14 years the ANR agents in Bath, Menifee and Montgomery County’s have gathered producer input, planned and implemented a Regional Agricultural Commodity Night Program to focus on some current issues facing farmers. This year 35 producers attended and gained knowledge from information presented by specialist from the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department.
