During the fall of 2017, the Campbell County Agriculture Council identified the need for more in-depth forage production programs. After a second meeting, the Master Grazer Program (Spring 2018) and the Master Haymaker Program (Spring 2019) became the foundation for more intensive forage production programs for Campbell County farmers. 

After a very productive Master Grazer Program (five part series/52 participants) during the spring of 2018 a Pasture Management Field Day was held on July 10, 2018 at Dobbs Shady Meadows Farm with 67 producers in attendance.  In preparing for this field day, the ANR agent worked with Dr. Jimmy Henning and the UK Pasture Evaluation team, to test the Dobbs pastures for endophyte tall fescue and the percent ergovaline (toxins) in the pastures. These results were showcased by Dr. Henning during the field day along with weed control strategies by Dr. JD Green and rotational grazing practices by Don Sorrell. On November 7 a Fencing School was held at the Painter Farm with 34 participants. Representatives from Gallagher Fence,Stay-Tuff Fence and the KY Department of Agriculture presented this hands-on program. One participant made the comment: "I have fenced for 40 years and I had no idea how much there was to know about fencing.” These three programs reinforced the management practices needed for improved grazing and pasture management. 

The Master Haymaker program was held during the spring of 2019 with an average of 36 participants.  This six week series focused on establishment, variety selection, forage species, soil and fertility, hay harvesting equipment and weed control.  These programs were taught by UK forage and soils specialists and the ANR agent.   Based on a post program survey approximately 70% of those attending the program said they plan on implementing each of the following hay production practices over the next two years: soil testing and apply lime or fertilize according to test, use UK forage variety trial publications to select certified seed, use the UK weed control publications to implement a weed control program, forage test hay and renovate hay fields with legumes. Sixty Five percent of participants rated the program as excellent with 35% rated the program as above average.  Before the program 50% of the producers rated their knowledge of hay making as average and after the program, 75% rated their knowledge of hay production as above average.  A fall 2019 field day is planned that will showcase a number of pasture management, hay production, and feeding practices.