The farmers of Carroll County consist of primarily beef producers. Through our Carroll County Cattlemen’s and other programs, these producers have been given the opportunity to learn and improve many parts of their operation.

One of the largest programs we have done is an in-depth hay analysis program. Dr. Katie VanValin from the University of Kentucky took our own producers’ sample results and broke them down to show how they can get the most out of the current hay that they have. There were 24 producers in attendance, and 10 of the producer’s provided samples for this program. Dr. VanValin showed how to analyze your results to show how you can affordably add feed and mineral to your feeding program to offset what your hay is lacking. There was a large discussion on the different nutrient requirements at each stage of production; breeding, calving, and lactating. She also discussed a strategy to get your hay tested and know in which stage of production to feed certain sections of hay based on its quality.

The producers were able to watch their own samples being analyzed and able to take those concrete numbers to the feed store. After reaching back out to producers two months later, 7 of the 10 producers that submitted samples said they were using Dr. VanValin’ s recommendations. This will be a great program to extend to the upcoming years to see how the producer’s cattle have improved, as well as to see the economic impact that Dr. VanValin’ s recommendation had in comparison to previous years.