Much of Jessamine County contains rolling topography which is best suited to the production of livestock and forages.  With 62,414 acres in pastureland and 29,012 acres in forage production (69.3% of total cropland), Jessamine County has the potential of supporting more than the current 20,500 total head of cattle (beef and dairy) with improved pasture efficiency through more careful management and intensive grazing. Growing Forages for livestock grazing and hay production is one of Jessamine County’s most important agronomic enterprises.

Fall of 2022, with low rainfall and less that desirable forage growing conditions has put much of Jessamine County’s pasture and hay land in a stressed condition. As Jessamine County forage producers develop strategies to renovate damaged forage stands, Dr. Ray Smith, U.K. Forage Extension Specialist, led a Forage Stand Evaluation and Renovation workshop. Participants walked a near-by pasture, followed by a classroom session on pasture/hay land renovation strategies and were presented information on soil fertility, weed control, harvesting at the correct stage of maturity, reducing loss, forage testing and economic considerations. Participants indicated that they plan to use the strategies learned to evaluate and renovate their pasture lands and hay fields.

In addition to this in-person training, Jessamine County forage producers have had opportunities to participate in numerous training opportunities including the Annual Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference, a Novel Tall Fescue Renovation Workshop, and the Pastures Please! Equine forage field day.