Success StoryMaking a Difference for Horse Farms in KY



Making a Difference for Horse Farms in KY

Author: Samuel Smith

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Forages

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

In 2016, Paul and Melita Knapper were the first farm to be enrolled in the RCPP Overgrazing and Soil Degradation on KY Horse Farms. This program brings EQIP funds to horse farm to implement resource conservation practices and to improve the profitability and sustainability of small horse farms. The Knappers received more than $30,000 to convert 30 acres from row crops to perennial pasture, therefore increases the amount of pasture they have and their ability to rotate horses. 

When visited in July of 2020, the Knappers believed they had a 40% increase in the gross income of the farm because of these additional pastures allowed them to take on more horse for clients. One 5 acre paddock alone housed 3 yearlings, bringing in $28 per day for each horse. An additional 5 acres not included in the RCPP program are now being converted as well, because “we’ve learned how to overseed pastures, we know how to do it now.” Additionally, the Knappers have been using perennial ryegrass to maintain cover on small paddocks that are under constant pressure and are unable to sustain perennial cover. 






Stories by Samuel Smith


Profitable Pastures: Joint Extension and NRCS Programming

about 5 years ago by Samuel Smith

Profitable Pastures was a project focused on cattle production with the objective of improving colla... Read More


Forage Systems for Organic Dairies

about 5 years ago by Samuel Smith

Organic Dairy Research Project withUniversity of Kentucky and University of TennesseeThe long-term g... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


2018 Kentucky Grazing Conference Profitable for Producers

2018 Kentucky Grazing Conference Profitable for Producers

about 5 years ago by Jimmy Henning

Specialists involved: Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith and Chris TeutschPastures are important to the profit... Read More


Photographs selected as national winners

Photographs selected as national winners

about 5 years ago by Jimmy Henning

Two photographs entered in the 2019 National Photo Contest of the American Forage and Grassland Coun... Read More