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: Forages
The 2021 outbreak of fall armyworms has proven to be a disastrous event for forage production. Hay and pasture fields can be destroyed in just a few days, leaving farmers without much-needed nutrition at such a late point in the season that replenishment is impossible. Leaders of the Highlands Beef Cattle Association identified the armyworm issue as their priority for the September meeting of the group. A total of 42 producers attended to hear agent presentations on identifying, treating, a
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Forages
With 25 years of the East Kentucky Hay Contest complete, the need remains great to educate producers. Two Johnson County farms, one a fairly new operation and the other with several years of experience, were first-time participants in the program this year. Their sample results provided much-needed information about how the farms should supplement their respective forages with concentrates and supplements, helping to optimize animal production. Both farmers reported a history of estimating hay q
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Beef
Safe and humane care of livestock is a high-profile issue in animal agriculture. For that reason, a number of entities require beef producers to complete the Beef Quality and Care Assurance certification in order to be eligible for various cost-share programs and other benefits. BQCA has historically been provided by extension agents at local events, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to in-person meetings, leaving farmers in need of another option. University of Kentucky specialists and Kentu
