The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association reports that the Commonwealth is home to 38,000 cattle farms with an average herd size of 27 head. The majority of these farms are family owned. In cooperation with University of Kentucky Extension Associate Professor, Forage Specialist, Dr. Chris Teutsch, and Graves County producer Mary Ann Ellison, the Graves County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Education hosted an educational Pasture Walk.

Producer Mary Ann Ellison provided an introduction on the background of the operation and her personal experience with pasture renovation and weed control. In preparation for the program, the Graves County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Education provided fertilizer recommendations and best practices for weed control and pasture renovation. During the program, Dr. Chris Teutsch provided research-based information related to soil sampling, nutrient application and management, weed identification and control as well as general recommendations for pasture renovation. Dinner was prepared and sponsored by Community Financial Services Bank of Mayfield, Kentucky.

This program was attended by 25 beef and equine producers from both Kentucky and Tennessee. Producers indicated their appreciation for this program and indicated many ways to apply the presented information to their personal operations. Additionally, producers indicated interest in similar programs in the future.

Area beef and equine producers listen to presentations from Mary Ann Ellison, Graves County beef producer, and Dr. Chris Teutsch, University of Kentucky Extension Forage Specialist.