Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock and Crops
Agriculture
Jeffiers
Beef
Poultry/Small Flocks
Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Forages
According to the USDA NASS, cattle production remains a major player, with roughly 2,000 head in the county. NASS data shows hay yields of roughly 2 tons/acre per year, showing underutilization of forage potential. The number of farms has increased but the average size has declined by 21%. Net cash farm income was down 48% as of the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Backyard poultry production for eggs is becoming very popular, both for family use and for retail sale. A significant number of goats are also in production. Hemp production has failed to gain significant traction in the county.
Farmers have production records for herds and flocks.
Livestock revenues are maximized.
Nonproductive animals are culled.
Forage productivity is maximized.
Farm assets transition to the next generation without undue financial loss.
Alternative crops are profitable
Farmers implement recordkeeping systems through apps or computer software to track animal ages, weights, and genetics.
Producers sell livestock at ideal weights, ages, and times of year.
Infertile bulls and cows are identified through appropriate tests.
A variety of forage types are harvested and grazed at appropriate stages with adequate fertilization and good storage of baled feedstuffs.
Farm owners establish trusts, transfer property, and otherwise work to secure their assets against inheritance taxes and Medicare forfeiture.
Farmers cultivate new crop options such as hemp.
Farmers understand recordkeeping options available to them and why the records can be helpful.
Farmers understand natural market cycles and desired characteristics of sale animals.
Farmers understand the financial impact of nonproductive animals and know how to identify them.
Farmers understand the different forage, concentrate, and supplement options available and know which ones are ideal for their operations.
Farmers understand the legal ramifications of failing to establish a will, trust, or another mechanism for protecting assets after their death.
Farmers understand the legal environment of hemp production and how to produce and market the crop.
Outcome: Farmers understand recordkeeping options available to them and why the records can be helpful.
Indicator: Number of farmers reporting adding use of an app
Method: Producer survey
Timeline: Annual
Outcome: Farmers understand natural market cycles and desired characteristics of sale animals.
Indicator: Number of farmers reporting changes in marketing plans.
Method: Producer survey
Timeline: Annual
Outcome: Farmers understand the financial impact of nonproductive animals and know how to identify them.
Indicator: Number of farmers utilizing preg checks and bull soundness exams
Method: Producer survey
Timeline: Annual
Outcome: Farmers understand the different forage, concentrate, and supplement options available and know which ones are ideal for their operations.
Indicator: Number of farmers reporting use of new feedstuffs
Method: Producer survey
Timeline: Annual
Outcome: Farmers understand the legal ramifications of failing to establish a will, trust, or other mechanism for protecting assets after their death.
Indicator: Number of farm owners creating a will or trust
Method: Producer survey
Timeline: Annual
Outcome: Farmers understand the legal, marketing, and production aspects of growing hemp.
Indicator: Farmers who successfully market hemp for CBD or other uses.
Method: KDA data, producer survey
Timeline: Annual
Audience: Farm owners
Project or Activity: Property owners (especially farms)
Content or Curriculum: Estate planning workshop Inputs: Local attorneys, UK FCS specialists
Date: Spring 2021
Audience: Beef producers
Project or Activity: Reproductive management
Content or Curriculum: Bull testing & heifer pregnancy checks
Inputs: Local veterinarian, Morehead State vet science students, farm facilities
Date: Annually
Audience: Forage producers
Project or Activity: Test plots, demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: UK research
Inputs: Local farms, county staff, UK specialists
Date: Annually
Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity: Hay testing
Content or Curriculum: Forage analysis through KDA
Inputs: Agent & assistant sampling times
Date: Fall each year
Audience: Cattle producers
Project or Activity: Recordkeeping training
Content or Curriculum: UK livestock app
Inputs: UK specialists, county staff, local producers
Date: Spring 2021
Audience: Cattle & goat producers
Project or Activity: Nutrition education
Content or Curriculum: UK research on concentrates, supplements
Inputs: UK data
Date: Annually
Audience: Forage producers
Project or Activity: Summer annual demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: UK forage handling techniques
Inputs: Local farm cooperators, UK specialists, county staff
Date: Annually each summer
Audience: Hemp producers & interested individuals
Project or Activity: Management workshops
Content or Curriculum: UK & KDA information on regulation & licensure
Inputs: UK staff, KDA personnel, county staff
Date: Annually or as required by evolving legal issues
Audience: Hemp producers
Project or Activity: Production education
Content or Curriculum: UK research
Inputs: Farm cooperators, UK staff, county staff
Date: Annually
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The Johnson County Farmers' Market has always provided strong revenue streams for producers, but the growing use of social media platforms for selling has created a real challenge for producers who sell off the farm. At the same time, a large market segment--low-income families--continues to struggle to locate affordable sources for fresh produce.With the guidance of the County Extension Agent and Program Assistant for Agriculture & Natural Resources, both needs are now being met. The ma
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
Producing quality stored forage is essential for optimum livestock nutrition. After poor hay quality was cited in a number of livestock deaths in early 2020, county extension agents in several eastern Kentucky counties banded together to offer the Master Haymaker program. The seven-session series was offered in early 2021 and provided education on topics ranging from species selection to harvesting techniques. Seven Johnson County farms participated in the series, with most joining the sessions
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
Proper nutrition of livestock relies on understanding the content of the feedstuffs being provided to the animals. Grains and protein supplements have a consistent and regulated composition, but hay varies dramatically based on factors such as species, time of harvest, curing conditions, and handling. To help farmers fill in the final piece of their ration puzzles, counties in the eastern region of Kentucky banded together in the late 1990's to conduct the East Kentucky Hay Contest. The even
