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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



Master Haymaker

Author: Brittany Brewer

Planning Unit: Scott County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Commodity Production and Instruction

Outcome: Initial 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. All participants had enhanced their knowledge from this program. 






Stories by Brittany Brewer


Empowering Horse Owners Through the Equine Wellness Programming

about 3 months ago by Brittany Brewer

Scott County is ranked 6th in nation and 4th in the Kentucky for horse inventory. Many Scott County ... Read More


The Importance of Making Hay Testing a Habit

about 6 months ago by Brittany Brewer

The second annual Central Kentucky Hay Contest was a resounding success, showcasing the dedication a... Read More


Stories by Scott County CES


Teen Conference 2025

about 4 hours ago by Madison Adkins

Teen Conference 2025 Success Story The 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University ... Read More


4-H Middle School Summit 2025

about 4 hours ago by Madison Adkins

4-H Summit Success Story:4-H Summit is a transformative event for middle school youth, and this year... Read More


Stories by Forages


Central Kentucky Hay Contest

Central Kentucky Hay Contest

about 14 days ago by Brandon Sears

Kentucky has long been known for our Bluegrass Pastures and green, rolling hills. We have an abundan... Read More


Union Co Hay Show

Union Co Hay Show

about 2 months ago by Katie Hughes

Describe the Issue or Situation.Each year the Union Co Extension Office host a hay show during the c... Read More