Extension
It Starts With Us
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Livestock Producers
Livestock Production Sustainability
Hamilton & Comer
Beef
Forages
Farm Management
4-H Volunteer Programming
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: July 2019
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: January 2020
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: 2020
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: 2017-2020
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: July 2019-June 2020
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Forages
Pasture forages provide the majority of the nutrients for Montgomery County beef cattle and other livestock for the spring, summer and fall seasons. Due to weather conditions, winter feeding areas and in some cases over grazing, weeds have become a major problem in some pastures. These weeds compete with and reduce the availability of of our desired grazing forages. To address this issue Dr. JD Green, University of Kentucky Weed Science Specialist and this agent worked with a county farmer
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Beef
Forages and Beef Cattle are the staple crops of the Gateway Area farm economy. Over the past 10 years the ANR agents in Bath and Montgomery County’s have gathered producer input, planned and implemented Regional Agricultural Commodity Night Programs to focus on these and the current issues facing each. This year we included Menifee and 110 producers attended and gained knowledge from information presented by specialist from the University of Kentucky and others. Producer updates included P
