Author: Daniel Allen
Planning Unit: Kenton County CES
Major Program: Beef
Plan of Work: ANR Local Food Systems
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
There seems to be interest in buying and investing in small farm operations for post-retirement incomes of baby boomers. These small farm operators have time constraints which means that these projects take longer to complete because they are typically still working off the farm. A working professional couple here in Kenton County began pursuing a small farm operation and bought a farm to establish a small cattle farm. They began working with Kenton County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent as a resource to help them since they had limited knowledge of a cow-calf farm operation. Since 2011 this couple has participated in 18 programs offered by the Extension Service, with the primary focus around cow calf management, pasture renovation, and hay production. In addition to publications shared with them, they also attended agent and specialist lead classes, field days, and NKY Cattle Association programs. In spring 2019 the Agriculture Agent was invited to their farm to assist with placement of a composting facility. During the visit the couple pointed out all the improvement that had been made on their farm utilizing practices learned through Extension. Adequate border fencing, rotational grazing practices, heavy use feeding pads, complete renovation of their hay fields, and nutrient management by adding a composting facility. These changes and modifications will have long term impact so they can increase their herd size resulting in a more positive economic impact.
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