Success StoryCattle Farming with Less Fertilizer



Cattle Farming with Less Fertilizer

Author: Nick Roy

Planning Unit: Adair County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Strengthening Adair County's Agriculture Industry

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

In late 2021, fertilizer prices reached an all-time high.  As a result, many cattle farmers greatly reduced or skipped fertilizer applications in 2022.  Without a change in management, disregarding soil fertility will result in a reduction in animal performance due to poor performance of forages.  

During the fall of 2022, the Adair County Extension ANR utilized data collected in previous years of bale grazing demonstrations and other published works to develop the program “Cattle Farming with Less Fertilizer.”  The program took an in-depth view of the nutrient cycle that occurs in cattle farming and revealed management strategies to reduce the need to import synthetic fertilizer on the farm.

The first offering of “Cattle Farming with Less Fertilizer” was held in December 2022.  A total of 25 cattle farmers attended.  Post-surveys conducted one month after the program revealed that 100% of respondents reported an increase in knowledge of soil fertility and managing nutrients.   100% of respondents also reported some level of adaption of practices to improve soil fertility utilizing hay feeding strategies, grazing practices, and manure utilization.  

A second offering of “Cattle Farming with Less Fertilizer” is planned for February 2023.  Additional on-farm research is also in progress to improve our understanding of the nutrient cycle in cattle operations and to identify practical management strategies for farmers to implement raise cattle with less dependence on fertilizer.






Stories by Nick Roy


Developing KY Nutrient Management Plans, A Service Provided to Adair County Farmers

about 5 months ago by Nick Roy

This past year, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service assisted12 local farmers in developin... Read More


Extension Support of Local Beef Industry

about 5 months ago by Nick Roy

The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service provides educational programs, research, demonstratio... Read More


Stories by Adair County CES


Adair County Cultural Arts Competition: A Triumph of Creativity

Adair County Cultural Arts Competition: A Triumph of Creativity

about 8 months ago by Dylan Gentry

The problem:Adair County lacked a platform to showcase its rich cultural heritage and artistic talen... Read More


Kickstart the Holidays

Kickstart the Holidays

about 1 years ago by Dylan Gentry

In a successful holiday preparation event, 55 participants joined county extension agents from the L... Read More