Success StoryFertilizer Program Improves Hay Yields



Fertilizer Program Improves Hay Yields

Author: Brian Jeffiers

Planning Unit: Johnson County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Sustainable Farming

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

With many acres of strip-mined land dedicated to hay production, Johnson County farmers requested education on the special requirements of this cropping system. Members of the Johnson Co. Agricultural Advancement Council worked with the Highlands Beef Cattle Association to develop the Mountain Master Forager program, held in 2019, with an evening dedicated to the topic. One farmer who attended recently reported that he had implemented the program's fertilizer recommendations and increased his hay yield by 78%. The farmer and his partner also rent two other hay fields, one of which was fertilized per the recommendations and the other was not (the difference due to the cost of the rental arrangement). When the owner of the fields saw the increased yield on the treated area in 2019, he renegotiated the rental arrangement so that the farmers could implement the same fertility program on the second field in 2020, leading to similar yield gains to the strip-mined field.






Stories by Brian Jeffiers


Farmers' Market Growers Achieve PBPT Certifications

about 5 months ago by Brian Jeffiers

One of the major hurdles in promoting local produce markets is assuring customers that the products ... Read More


Inaugural Alfalfa Harvest Yields Top-Quality Forage

about 5 months ago by Brian Jeffiers

Every farm struggles to provide quality feed to its livestock, but in the steep terrain and poor soi... Read More


Stories by Johnson County CES


Laugh and Learn Playdates in Johnson County

about 5 months ago by Macey Stewart

Aconsiderable numberof Kentuckys children enter kindergarten unprepared. Kindergarten Readiness is a... Read More


Reality Store

about 5 months ago by Mary Meade

Many students in our area lack essential financial literacy skills necessary for successful money ma... Read More