Much of Jessamine County contains rolling topography which is best suited to the production of livestock and forages.  With 62,414 acres in pastureland and 29,012 acres in forage production (69.3% of total cropland), Jessamine County has the potential of supporting more than the current 20,500 total head of cattle (beef and dairy) with improved pasture efficiency through more careful management and intensive grazing. Growing Forages for livestock grazing and hay production is one of Jessamine County’s most important agronomic enterprises. The Bluegrass Region, with its deep, fertile soils and gently rolling hillsides, is uniquely suited to producing some of the fastest racehorses and most productive livestock operations in the world. Late Summer/early Fall is an important time for forage producers to consider management options and will enhance their forage production and increase profitability.

In August 2018, the Jessamine County Extension Office hosted a Fall Forage Update attended 28 producers. Dr. Ray Smith, University of Kentucky Extension Forage Specialist, presenting presented information on Pasture/Hay Field Renovation, Fall Fertilization Programs, Integrated Weed Control and Forage Stockpile Strategies. In November 2018, Dr. Lehmkuhler, U.K. Extension Beef Specialist, presented a program on Winder Feeding Strategies at the Jessamine County Extension Office. 22 Producers attended a training session that was part of the Profitable Pastures workshop series that focused on grazing/forage management, efficient hay utilization, overstocking, soil productivity, soil ecology, and the various connections between them. Vouchers for free forage testing was distributed at the training and eight producers took advantage of this opportunity by having their hay tested for nutrient quality.

The extremely wet late Fall and Winter conditions experienced in 2018-19 turned out to be very challenging times for livestock producers. The deep mud in feeding areas, low forage quality due to less than ideal growing conditions in 2018 and stress experienced by livestock with wet, muddy haircoats resulted in much higher than normal death loss. Surveys indicated that livestock producers that attended these forage and winter feeding strategy trainings experienced fewer livestock mortalities than they would have otherwise suffered.