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: 2021-2025
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: 2021-2025
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: 2021-2025
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: 2021-2025
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: 2022-2025
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Forages
Pasture forages provide the majority of the nutrients for Montgomery County beef cattle & other livestock. Due to weather conditions, winter feeding areas & in some cases over grazing, weeds such as Buttercup since 2020 have become a major problem in many pastures. These weeds compete with & reduce the availability of our desired grazing forages. The Montgomery County Extension District Board purchased a special sprayer in 2020 for the ANR Agent to make available to Montgomery
