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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryMaster Haymaker Program



Master Haymaker Program

Author: Lindsay Arthur

Planning Unit: Bourbon County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Management, Production & Marketing of Agriculture Products

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Kentucky ranks 4th nationally for hay production. In 2023, more than 2 million acres were harvested, producing 4.16 million tons of hay. Alfalfa hay production by Kentucky farmers is estimated at 270,000 tons with sales in 2022 totaling a whopping 344 million dollars. (National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission). 

The opportunity and market to sell high quality hay is present but the requirements to get to a quality finished product can be daunting. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents Jessica Barnes (Harrison County), Brittany Brewer (Scott County)  and Lindsay Arthur (Bourbon County) teamed up to bring clientele the Master Haymaker Series to help increase knowledge on the topic. Speakers from the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University and industry specialists covered the topics of soils, weed control, cool and warm season forages and harvesting and storage over 4 sessions. 34 individuals completed all 4 sessions of the program. 

The Master Haymaker Program proved to be a resounding success, significantly enhancing participants' knowledge and transforming their forage management practices. Attendees reported an increase in understanding across all topics covered. Participants enthusiastically embraced new strategies, with many intending to introduce diverse forage varieties like red clover, Sudan grass, and Timothy. The program further inspired a reevaluation of hay storage methods, prompting many to adopt protective measures such as indoor storage, bale wrapping, and improved spacing to minimize spoilage. Overall, participants expressed confidence that the program would substantially improve the productivity, quality, and profitability of their hay.





Stories by Lindsay Arthur


2024 Elite Bred Heifer Sale

yesterday by Lindsay Arthur

The Bourbon County Livestock Improvement Association Elite Heifer Sale was started in 1991 to help s... Read More


Master Haymaker Program

about 2 months ago by Lindsay Arthur

Kentucky ranks 4th nationally for hay production. In 2023, more than 2 million acres were harvested,... Read More


Stories by Bourbon County CES


In the Face of Disaster

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Success StoryKentuckians have experienced firsthand how natural disasters can occur any time and oft... Read More


2024 Elite Bred Heifer Sale

yesterday by Lindsay Arthur

The Bourbon County Livestock Improvement Association Elite Heifer Sale was started in 1991 to help s... Read More


Stories by Forages


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yesterday by Rebecca Konopka

Describe the Issue or Situation.The Carter County Soil Conservation District rents out a Great Plain... Read More


Hay Auction 2025

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about 8 days ago by Brandon Sears

Madison County continues to rank in the top 3 in the state of Kentucky for hay with approximately 43... Read More