According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture Edmonson County has 81,589 acres of land used for agricultural purposes. About 73% is used for pasture and hay production. Several ruminant, and other species are raised on these acres, to include beef and dairy cattle, horses, meat goats, sheep, pastured poultry, and even wildlife, however, not all wildlife species are welcome by producers. In today’s economy many producers are searching for ways to improve production and utilization of forages to increase profits, control unwanted pests, and better manage their operation.

On May 11, 2019 the Edmonson County U.K. Cooperative Extension Service conducted a spring field day hosted on the Flock & Herd Farm in Northern Edmonson County, where the owner has been working with the local Extension Agent for Agriculture on a grazing project. Almost 60 people attended. The topics covered were: Forages; Rotational Grazing/watering systems; Poultry/Backyard Flocks; Wildlife; and Cattle Handling Facilities. Extension Specialists, area experts, and the Edmonson County Extension Agents gave instruction on each topic.

At the conclusion of the field day, attendees were asked to fill out an evaluation of the programs presented during the day. 100% of respondents indicated that they gained knowledge that will: 1. Help them improve their production practices. 2. Help them make better decisions. and 3. Implement new practices to increase/sustain production. The majority of respondents found the wildlife topic to be most helpful with forages and rotational grazing/watering systems a close second. When asked to list some important points learned, the most common responses were: "know breed in laying hens and how long they should live"; "trapping animals and getting them out of my garden"; "pasture rotation"; "better use of water for cattle"; 800 foot rule for cattle"; "I can improve some of my practices"; and "alfalfa for grazing".