According to the latest Census of Agriculture Edmonson County has 81,589 acres of land used for agricultural purposes. About 73% is used for pasture and hay production. Several ruminant, and other species are raised on these acres, to include beef and dairy cattle, horses, meat goats, sheep, pastured poultry, and even wildlife, however, not all wildlife species are welcome by producers. In today’s economy many producers are searching for ways to improve production and utilization of forages to increase profits, control unwanted pests, and better manage their operation.

On May 18, 2024 the Edmonson County U.K. Cooperative Extension Service conducted a spring field day hosted by the Jones Farm on State Highway 185 near Roundhill, KY, where the owners have been working with the local Extension Agent for Agriculture on improving pastures. Over 60 people attended. The topics covered were: Forages and Rotational Grazing/fencing systems; Pastured Poultry; Wildlife; and Small Ruminant Handling/working Facilities. Extension Specialists, County Soil Conservation personnel, Kentucky State University Area Ag Agents, and the Edmonson County Extension Agents gave instruction on each topic.

At the conclusion of the field day, attendees were asked if the field day topics presented were helpful to them. 100% of respondents indicated that they gained knowledge that will: 1. Help them improve their production practices. 2. Help them make better decisions. and 3. Implement new practices to increase/sustain production. The majority of respondents found the Small Ruminant Handling/working Facilities topic to be most helpful with Forages and Rotational Grazing/fencing systems a close second. Several participants shared positive comments about the field day, especially on the small ruminant working facilities demonstration and the pastured poultry demo.