Extension
It Starts With Us
Forage Management
Beef production
T. Johnson
Forages
Beef
Hay testing
Forages and beef cattle are the majority of the livestock produced in Lee County. According to the University of Kentucky extension specialist around 66 percent of the forages are not being utilized efficiently and the quality is not sufficient to meet the demands for the livestock to perform at their optimal levels.
Enhance profit margins for livestock producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, water, and soil
Improve forage quality
Improve soil health and reduce erosion
Improve forage utilization
Implement routine soil sampling
Test forages for nutritional value
Use diagnostic services
Implement new feeding systems
Develop a routine forage renovation system
Use certified seed
Stock pile fescue for fall grazing
Awareness of recommended forage varieties
Awareness of forage harvest, feeding and storage management to reduce loss
Understanding forage renovation establishment practices
Utilize alternative forages
Understand knowledge of grazing management practices for most species
Initial Outcome:
Awareness of forage harvest, feeding and storage management to reduce loss
Understand pasture and hayfields ecology
Awareness of forage variety trial information
Indicator:Increase activity in forages and management
Method:: Farm Visits, phone calls
Timeline: Fall of 2020 and spring of 2021
Intermediate Outcome:Increase profit margin for livestock producers
Indicator:: Farm practices have changed and farm income has increased
Method: Farm visit, survey
Timeline:Fall 2021
Long-term Outcome: Producers are utilizing best management practices
Indicator: Increase in renovation
Method: Survey and farm observations
Timeline: Fall 2022
Audience: Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Forage tour
Content or Curriculum: Presentation by Specialist and Agents
Inputs:Agents, Specialist
Date:
Spring 2021
Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity:Eden Shale Tour
Content or Curriculum: feeding systems
Inputs: Agents and Specialist
Date: Fall 2021
Audience: Livestock and forage producers
Project or Activity: : Livestock Feeding Program
Content or Curriculum: Agents and Specialist
Inputs: agents and Specialist
Date:Spring 2021
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Forages
Proper forage utilization and management is one of the major factors that livestock producers can control to improve the profitability of any livestock operation. Lee County has around 2,500 acres of forages that is managed for feed for livestock. Forage quality has been identified, by leader as the number one concern that needs to be addressed to improve livestock profitability in Lee County.Lee County extension agent has worked with two livestock producers on improving their forages. These two
