The problem: High Fertilizer cost has made forage producers to make hard decisions in the last 2 years. Do they apply fertilizer to hay and pasture fields or not?

The educational program response: For the past two years we have conducted several programs on the topic of improving forage quality when applying less fertilizer. We have focused on introducing Korean Lespedeza into pastures and hayfields because it will grow and perform good under low fertile soils. by introducing Korean Lespedeza will improve forage quality and pounds gained by the livestock.

The participants/target audience: The audience is all forage producers

Other partners (if applicable): I teamed up with the University of Kentucky Extension Economic Department. 

Program impact or participant response. We have had over 15 participants attend at least 1 of the educational sessions. 10 forage producers have, for the first time introduced Korean Lespedeza into their forge operation. From surveying the ones that have introduced Korean Lespedeza, all ten reported an increase in grazing in the warm months and extended their grazing season. and feed less hay in through the winter feeding months. From the pounds gained, less hay being utilized the farms estimated it improved their income by a total of over $5,000.00 last year.