The problem

Feeding beef cows is a major cost to producers, usually 50-70% of maintaining the animals. Utilizing efficient hay feeding systems can reduce the amount of time a producer spends making hay bales available to animals. 

The educational program response

To address this issue, the Ohio Co. Extension Service coordinated with Dr. Steve Higgins, U.K. Ag Engineering, who has developed more efficient hay feeding systems at the Eden Shale Farm. Dr. Higgins visited Ohio Co. to discuss efficient hay feeding and watering systems. 

The participants/target audience

Eighty beef producers attended the meeting learning about the different hay feeding systems and watering systems they have been demonstrating at the Eden Shale Farm. The producers enjoyed a lively Q&A discussion about each of the systems.

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.

A survey of producers indicated the following impact:

1. 50% planned to integrate at least one of the hay feeding concepts/designs discussed before the next winter feeding period.
2. 45% would be upgrading their watering systems utilizing at least one of the designs discussed.

Comments:

“The most impactful Extension meetings I have ever attended. We need to be more time efficient in all our operations – thus minimizing the wear-and-tear on equipment and fuel costs”