McCracken County CES

Title:

McCracken County Forage and Livestock Management

MAP:

Agriculture and Natural Resources Education

Agents Involved:

Anderson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Hay testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

Forage and Livestock management are vital to Kentucky’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 state.

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

-Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

-Improved soil health and reduced erosion

-Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

-Increased wildlife diversity

Intermediate Outcomes:

-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

-Develop a grazing plan

-Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency

-Test forage for nutritional quality

Initial Outcomes:

-Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

-Awareness of forage variety trial information

-Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

-Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

-Identify opportunities for improving wildlife habitat with selected forages

-Increased awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general heard management, economics and marketing

-Gain knowledge of the beef industry and information and tools to succeed in beef production

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Indicator: Number if University of Kentucky publications distributed increase.

Method: survey, personal interviews

Timeline: 3-6 months

Intermediate Outcome: Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Indicator: Number of forage soil samples received will increase

Method: Data log, survey, personal interviews

Timeline: 1 year

Intermediate Outcome: Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Indicator: Number of livestock producers report implementing at least one BMP will increase.

Method: survey, personal interviews, follow-up phone calls

Timeline: 1 year

Long-term Outcome: Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Indicator: Number of farmers submitting a soil sample and receive a "normal" soil analysis report will increase.

Method: Analyze data from soil analysis, personal interview

Timeline: 3-4 years

Long-term Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Indicator: Number of livestock producers report an increase in profit margins

Method: survey, personal interviews, follow-up calls

Timeline: 3-4 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock Producers/ Farmers

Project or Activity: Educational Programs and Newsletters

Content or Curriculum: Master Grazer & Master Cattlemen curriculum, University of Kentucky publications, KSU specialists

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research Information, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers,

Date: ongoing

Audience: Livestock Producers/ Farmers

Project or Activity: Demonstrations/Plot Trials

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research Information, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers,

Date: ongoing

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen

Content or Curriculum: 10 sessions @ 4 hours ea.; Lecture & Hands-on basic principle topics: visual selection, AI, pregnancy palpation, cattle handling, vaccination techniques, etc.; occurs as regional multi-county groups every other year

Inputs: curriculum, UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research Information, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers,

Date: ongoing

Project or Activity:  CAIP Program

Content:  UK/KDA training sessions

Inputs:  UK/KDA specialists, State and Federal Agencies, Ag Development Council

Date:  as determined by GOAP: (governors' office of ag policy)

Success Stories

Pasture Please - Area Equine Program

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Equine

On March 2nd, 2023, Extension Agriculture Agents from the Purchase and Pennyrile collaborated to offer a program entitled, "Pasture Please." This unique program offering was geared towards equine owners who manage their own pastures. The goal was to give these owners research-based recommendations pertaining to horse pasture renovation. After the drought conditions endured during the 2022 growing season, the host agents knew this topic would be in high demand. The agenda featured

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