Close Resources

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, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024


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


Developing Better Bull Management Practices on Scott County Farms

about 12 months ago by Brittany Brewer

A large portion of Scott County farms are cow calf operations. These operations rely on effective ma... Read More


Chute Side BQA

about 12 months ago by Brittany Brewer

With recent changes and adaption to technology in the beef industry producers want to be made aware ... Read More


Stories by Scott County CES


Scott County Extension: Dresses for Ghana

Scott County Extension: Dresses for Ghana

about 1 years ago by Alivia Faris

The Scott County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer sciences collaborated with the Scott County... Read More


Recipes for Life 2023

Recipes for Life 2023

about 1 years ago by Alivia Faris

The Scott County Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Agent collaborated with Southern Eleme... Read More