Forage SystemsPlan of Work

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Monroe County CES

Title:
Forage Systems
MAP:
Promoting Agricultural Sustainability
Agents Involved:
Kevin Lyons
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Dairy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation:

Situation: One of the two topics the Monroe County Agriculture Advisory Council suggested for more work and producer education, is the continuing decline in pasture production; both in yield and quality. As an integral part of any forage system for livestock; healthy pastures are required for maximum profitability. Farm income and net profit is declining do to the loss of tobacco income and the reduction in livestock prices. As livestock prices continue to fall, producers must find ways to remain profitable. With Monroe County being fifth in the state in number of beef cows and seventh in the state in number of dairy cows, livestock income is a major component of farm financial stability. This need to become better producers denotes the need for additional education in all phases of livestock production; particularly in forage systems; since feed cost is the primary input in livestock production.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Long-term Outcomes:

Increase in the number of livestock producers reporting they are maintaining or improving profitability

Improved pasture stands due to better management

Improved pastures as measured by using visual pasture condition scoring

Increased pounds of beef produced per acre or milk increases as reported by Monroe County livestock producers

 Improvement in conception rates as reported by producers, local veterinaries, and AI technicians


Intermediate Outcomes:

Intermediate Outcomes:

Develop grazing plans

Decrease in amount and density of weeds in pastures

Improved soil test nutrient levels

Improved pH in pasture soil test levels

Increase in the number of livestock per acre

Increase in the number of dollars produced per acre


Initial Outcomes:

Initial Outcome:

Increase in the number of producers using more intensive rotational grazing systems

Increase in the number of producers using soil tests in their pastures

Increase in the number of producers using a comprehensive weed control program

Increase in active livestock producers attending Cattlemen’s meetings

Awareness of UK grazing management research

Evaluation:

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased sustainability of livestock operations

Indicator: Increase in production on Monroe County pastures

Method: Producer surveys

Timeline: 2018-2019


Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased livestock profitability

Indicator: Increase in the number of pounds of livestock/milk sold

Method: Producer reports

Timeline: 2017-2020


Evaluation: Improved pasture condition scores

Outcome: Number of pasture walks, producer opinions, and visual appearance

Indicator: Producer reports and observations

Method: Producer surveys, Pasture scoring by UK Extension

Timeline: 2017-2019

Learning Opportunities:

Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):


Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: Pasture improvement topics at Cattlemen’s Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Grazing School topics

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and successful producers

Date: Fall 2017-2020



Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: Pasture walks

Content or Curriculum: Visual identification of pasture problems

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and NRCS Grazing Specialist

Date: Summer 2018 and Summer 2019


Audience: General Agriculture

Project or Activity: Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Current pasture improvement topics

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, and successful producers

Date: Summers 2018 & 2019


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: Fall – Winter 2018-2019


Audience: Livestock producers, students, and Ag. advisors

Project or Activity: Develop e-mail list for current activities and updates

Content or Curriculum: Various UK and other resources

Inputs: Kevin Lyons

Date: Winter 2018-2019




Success Stories

Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction

Author: Kevin Lyons

Major Program: Forages

The Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction (Metcalfe, Barren, and Monroe County Cooperative Extension Services) has become an annual event that both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Less than desirable weather conditions for the past two years has brought about a forage supply shortage for many farmers. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurately drive the market. In fact, the Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction allows all producers to get a

Full Story

Southern Kentucky Commercial Pesticide Training

Author: Kevin Lyons

Major Program: Chemical Crop Management Tools

The application of crop protection chemicals and lawn/landscape chemicals are important industries in south-central Kentucky.  Professional applicators must receive training to stay current on issues, pests, techniques, and safety for the products they apply.  They need to receive 12 hours of continuing education during a three year cycle to maintain their applicator license.  Three of these hours must address specific topics that pertain to their license category.  Many appl

Full Story
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