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. 






Stories by Roger "Darrell" Simpson


Muhlenberg County Homemakers Continue Support for Ovarian Cancer Research During Pandemic

about 2 years ago by Roger "Darrell" Simpson

Ovarian cancer does not stop just because of a pandemic. This disease ranks fifth in cancer deaths a... Read More


Meat Processing Plant Enhances Economic Development and Food Security

about 3 years ago by Roger "Darrell" Simpson

The Covid 19 pandemic brought to light the fragile nature of the United States food supply. The meat... Read More


Stories by Muhlenberg County CES


Spread Hope Instead

Spread Hope Instead

about 3 years ago by Mackenzie Pogue

The 4-H mission is to help youth reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership wit... Read More


Muhlenberg County Homemakers Continue Support for Ovarian Cancer Research During Pandemic

about 2 years ago by Roger "Darrell" Simpson

Ovarian cancer does not stop just because of a pandemic. This disease ranks fifth in cancer deaths a... Read More


Stories by Forages


Forage group completes national publication on 'Grazing Alfalfa'

Forage group completes national publication on 'Grazing Alfalfa'

about 2 years ago by Jimmy Henning

Grazing AlfalfaRay Smith, Krista Lea, and Jimmy HenningThe UK Forage Group has recently completed a ... Read More


UK Forage Group Establishes Teaching Pastures at Locust Trace AgriScience Center

UK Forage Group Establishes Teaching Pastures at Locust Trace AgriScience Center

about 2 years ago by Jimmy Henning

UK Forage Group Establishes Teaching Pastures at Locust Trace AgriScience CenterSpecialists and Staf... Read More