Describe the Issue or Situation.

This year, we had a wet spring which resulted in farmers taking longer to get out into the fields to harvest their first hay crop. Or they went to harvest and their hay crop was rained on. Then the summer progressed into being hot and extremely dry, lacking in hay field forage growth. 

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Trimble County Extension worked with Dr. Katie VanValin from the UK Beef Extension team to bring the program to the county's producers. 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

we had 24 participants, all are currently cattle farmers in the Henry and Trimble county area. We had 20 pre-register to attend the program. 

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Success Story Oct 2024- Making the Most of you Hay Crop

Dr. Katie VanValin came to Trimble County to talk with producers about making the most of this year’s hay crop. There were 23 people present for the program. Of those, only 2 producers test their hay regularly. Testing the hay regularly will help you monitor what your livestock (cattle in this instance,) are getting nutritionally. The program focused on what the needs of cattle are and how to supplement your hay with feed rations or better grazing practices. By the end of this meeting, Trimble County’s ANR agent, Regina Utz, had scheduled 5 hay tests with producers to get their process started for a better winter. There were an additional 6 who expressed interest in having their hay tested later. One producer even said, “I do the same thing every year, this has helped to show me more opportunities and ways to change my management for the better!” He was one of the hay tests scheduled right away.