Lyon County CES

Title:

Livestock Forages

MAP:

ANR Local Food Systems

Agents Involved:

Susan Fox

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Forages

Situation:

Forage and livestock management are vital to Kentucky's ag 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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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
Increased wildlife diversity

Intermediate Outcomes:

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
Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Initial Outcomes:

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

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Understanding of the benefits of grazing management, variety trials and pasture renovation, wildlife habitat.

Indicator: Farmer responses.

Method: Survey

Timeline: 2018

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Fencing plans developed, grazing plans, ag water BMP's implemented, use of diagnostic services.

Method: Surveys and discussions with farmers.

Timeline: 2018

Long-term Outcome: Improved profitability and environmental conditions.

Indicator: Improved weight gain, health of animals, condition of pastures and profitability.

Method: Observation and survey of farmer participants.

Timeline: 2018

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:Producers

Project or Activity: Forage demonstration and on-farm field day.

Content or Curriculum: Variety selection, weed management, etc.

Inputs: UK Specialists and publications, research information, producers, NRCS.

Date: 2018

Audience: Producers

Project or Activity: Newsletters, news articles

Content or Curriculum: Grazing management

Inputs: UK Specialists and publications, research information.

Date: 2018

Success Stories