Author: Paul Sizemore
Planning Unit: Owsley County CES
Major Program: Beef
Plan of Work: Farm Profitablity
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
Much of the Hay produced in the area is stored outside resulting in a great deal of waste, low nutrient levels and low digestibility. This can lead to many issues in the herd when the winter weather comes barreling in. To address the need for improved forage quality and to increase farmer understanding of the economics of hay production, many producers asked for more information on feeding systems. A workshop was held in Owsley County with Dr. Steve Higgins speaking on Fence Line Feeding systems. Dr. Higgins reported his findings on the practices that were put in place at Eden Shale Farm, he talked about why you would need a Fence line feeding system, the costs, the different types and the benefits of each. 25 producers participated in the workshop. After the workshop I received reports from five of the producers in Owsley County that they had implemented some or many of these practices including feeding systems. They reported many benefits such as time saved while feeding, less damage to the land, more efficient consumption and better overall condition of the herd. Fence Line Feeding Systems are now an approved practice through the Owsley County C.A.I.P. Program as well as NRCS and has gained a lot of attention from my producers.
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