Success StoryEstablishing Perennial Forages Pays Dividends



Establishing Perennial Forages Pays Dividends

Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson

Planning Unit: Muhlenberg County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Planning for the Family and Farm

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Weather extremes the last several years have had a negative impact on perennial forages and more specifically cool season perennial forages and alfalfa  This agent spends a significant amount of time annually working with producers on the establishment and maintenance  of these forages. Phone calls, one to one visits, and emails were all utilized this past late summer/early fall to assist producers on establishing these forages. Ten producers seeded a combined 122 acres of forages. Interpreting soil test results and recommendations, seed varieties, seeding rates, establishment methods, and weed control were some of the topics discussed. One to one visits with eight of the producers representing 114 acres has enabled this agent to see the successful results of those recommendations. There is potential for an additional 570,000 pounds or 285 tons at two and a half tons per acre of forage to be produced annually on that 114 acres worth a combined $14,250 annually if the hay is valued at $50.00 per ton. Utilizing sound unbiased recommendations from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment pays dividends. 






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