Boyd County CES

Title:

Forages and Crop Management

MAP:

Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Agents Involved:

Harned

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Integrated Pest Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Soil testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Hay testing

Situation:

Forages are by far the largest crop grown in the county, both as pasture and stored feed, i.e. hay, baleage, silage, etc. Grain production is not a significant enterprise within the county, being grown commercially by fewer than 5 producers and mostly for on farm use or sold to a local  pet food company, other that as silage, so educational information for row crops are delivered on an individual basis as needed or requested. However there does seem to be a renewed interest in grains and legumes as cover crops and for inter-seeding into pastures for winter grazing. There is a local company that is attempting to become a processor and make CBD oil, as well as other products from hemp.

Long-Term Outcomes:

By putting new and/or improved production practices and products, of whatever type, into use in their yearly operations, the producers will see an increase in the quantity and quality of their crops in a very sustainable manner. When this occurs, the income for the producer should also increase creating the opportunity for a better lifestyle for them and their families. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

There will be a continued increase in adopting new research based production improvements, practices and technologies. There will also be an increase in the number of producers adopting new varieties, and maybe even species, that are not currently being used in the county or region. These changes will be based on their improved understanding of why these are good changes to adapt into their production system. 

Initial Outcomes:

Forage producers will continue to attend classes and programs related to their product to gain information and skills needed to increase production, both with quality and quantity. As more GMO seeds and other scientific and/or technological advances for forages come onto the market, so does the need to continually educate the producers about the production values as well as the social values, both positives and negatives. Re-enforcement will also continue to be presented as to the positive effects for traditional production improvements such as soil testing, forage quality testing, correct seeding, etc. This will include educating local farm supply stores on the benefits of offering these new or improved seeds, equipment, etc. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased production of hay/pasture and quality of the forage produced, and better and more weed control in forage fields and crops, as well as more targeted fertilization

Indicator: More quantity and higher quality of hay being produced with less weeds

Method: Personal contact with producers, forage testing for quality, number of soil samples performed

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in number of producers haveing forages tested, soil smaples tested, and implementing weed control practices

Indicator: More producers adapting weed control measures, as needed, to improve stand quality

Method: Personal contact with producers, forage testing for quality, number of soil samples performed

Timeline: Ongoing

Long-term Outcome: The overall long term quality and quantity of forages remains at a high level, with better weed control

Indicator: Continued production of high quality forage and sustained higher quantity

Method:Personal contact with producers, forage testing for quality, number of soil samples performed

Timeline: Continuous

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Forage Producers

Project or Activity: Annual Eastern Kentucky Hay Testing Program and Contest

Content or Curriculum: Understanding Hay Test Results publication

Inputs: Agent taking samples, state specialists, KDA testing for free

Date:2022-24

Audience: Farmers in Boyd County

Project or Activity: Free soil testing with test being paid for by Conservation and Farm Bureau

Content or Curriculum: Understanding soil test results pub and personal contact

Inputs: Agent, Extension Office, Conservation Office and County Farm Bureau (split costs)

Date: 2022-24

Audience: Land owners, farmers and producers

Project or Activity: Demonstration plots on various forage and cover crop options

Content or Curriculum: Production examples of various species selected

Inputs: Seed, cooperators, Extension agent, specialists, Extension owned property

Date: 2022-2024

Audience: Forage and  Forage Animal Producers, General Public

Project or Activity: Forage Demonstration Plots

Content or Curriculum: Developed in conjunction with UK Forage Specialist

Inputs: State specialists, facilities, etc.

Date: 2022-24

Success Stories