Success StoryImproving Farm Management through Forage Testing



Improving Farm Management through Forage Testing

Author: Shane Bogle

Planning Unit: Caldwell County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Local Commodities Provide Agriculture Income

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Caldwell County had 538 farm operations on 133,499 acres, which represented 60.5% of total county land. Just over 12,000 acres are in hay or other forages. Helping producers harvest an ample supply of high quality forage has been a program push in Caldwell County for several years.  Caldwell County utilizes Dairy One labs in New York for all forage test results.

Using direct mailings, social media posts, beef IRM farm visits, cattlemen association meetings, and good old fashioned word of mouth to promote the benefits of forage testing, Caldwell County saw a 30% increase in the number forage tests conducted in 2017-2018.  18 first time producers have adopted a limited amount of forage testing, and 5 producers now seek quality results from 100% of hay harvested. 

Samples being submitted through extension has opened a dialogue to better utilize results to benefit the whole operation from feed efficiency to reproductive management.






Stories by Shane Bogle


Private Pesticide Applicator Training

about 6 years ago by Shane Bogle

The importance of the private pesticide applicator license process has not changed in many years. Pr... Read More


Empowering Local Leaders

about 6 years ago by Shane Bogle

Every actions needs to be prompted by a motive Leonarda da Vinci. There are times that citizens and ... Read More


Stories by Caldwell County CES


County Shooting Sports Program Comes Full Circle

about 6 years ago by Rhonda Jewell

The Caldwell County 4-H Shooting Sports program has been a mainstay in the county 4-H program since ... Read More


Making 4-H Camp More Affordable

about 6 years ago by Rhonda Jewell

4-H Camp4-H Camp provides an opportunity for youth to develop essential life skills that help them b... Read More