Success StoryTransforming Horse Farms in KY



Transforming Horse Farms in KY

Author: Samuel Smith

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Equine

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The UK Pasture Evaluation has been working with NRCS to bring cost share practices to horse farms in KY. Until 2 years ago, horse farms in KY did not qualify for NRCS cost share because horses were not considered commercial livestock. With recent changes with NRCS rules, horse farms now quality for cost share. We are working with a select group of farms to implement management practices that will improve their forage production, reduce soil erosion, and improve their economic viability. Three of these farms are "demo farms" where we are showing the improved practices that are possible. In addition to the demo farms, we are working with another 17 horse farms over the next 2 years. The farms we have worked with so far have shown dramatic transformations in their pasture management and overall farm management. Through this program, we look forward to promoting NRCS cost share programs to hundreds of horse farms in KY.






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