Kentucky has 90,000 stream miles and the number one pollutant in those steams is soil sediment.   Sediment is soil lost due to erosion in heavy rainfall events, according to Amanda Gumbert Extension Water Quality Specialist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food & Environment.  

Extension agents from Boyd, Carter, Elliott, and Greenup counties with the assistance of Dr. Jimmy Henning, UK Forage Specialist conducted a no-till drill clinic to educate farmers and landowners about the usage of no till seeding.  No till seeding enables farmers to directly seed into the vegetation in the field without tilling the soil.  Benefits of no- tillage is an increase in soil biological activity, reduces soil erosion and increase in soil organic matter.

The training also allowed farmers to participate one on one with local no till seed drills before using them in the field.   This allowed them to ask questions about usage and learn how to set or calibrate the drill based on seed depth.

Participants survey results concluded that 99 percent gained knowledge of forage production, best management practices for species and pasture renovation.  78 percent plan to rent a no-till drill in the future.