Monroe County CES

Title:

Forage Improvement

MAP:

Forages

Agents Involved:

Kevin Lyons

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Soil testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Hay testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Integrated Pest Management

Situation:

Forage production is a major component of most farm enterprises in Monroe Co. Hay, silage, baleage, and pasture are the most common forms of forage production for our farmers.  Forages have a major impact on our livestock producers, and that income is a major component of farm financial stability. High quality and large quantities of forages are required for maximum profitability. The need to increase efficiency in forage production indicates the importance of continued education outreach. Feed costs are the primary expenses in livestock production.

Long-Term Outcomes:

More baleage being utilized resulting in higher profitability.

Less noxious weeds present in hayfields and pastures.

Higher quality of dry hay produced resulting in increased profits.

Savings on feed costs by utilizing hay testing.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increase the number of producers who utilize baleage.

Increase the hay and pasture acres that incorporate weed management strategies.

Improved hay quality by encouraging proper harvest times.

Increase the number of producers who utilize hay testing.

Initial Outcomes:

Increase in the knowledge of  intensive rotational grazing systems.

Increase in the knowledge of the importance of utilizing soil tests.

More emphasis among producers about the importance of weed control.

Increased awareness of the availability of our hay probe and access to hay testing services.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase in producers gaining knowledge of recommended forage production and management practices.

Indicator: Grain drill and sprayer rental data from Conservation District

Method: Survey

Timeline: Annually

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in hay tests being submitted

Indicator: Number received by the Extension office

Method: Records

Timeline: Annually

Long-term Outcome: Increase in the quality of forages being produced

Indicator: Improved results on sample analysis over time

Method: Review of sample results

Timeline: Annually

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: Forage management topics at Cattlemen’s meetings

Content or Curriculum: Grazing School topics

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and successful producers

Date: September 2024 - April 2025

Audience: General Agriculture

Project or Activity: Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Current forage improvement topics

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and successful producers

Date: Summer 2025

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: Annually in January