Programs and services that strengthen farming operations are a priority for the Oldham County Extension and Agriculture Councils.  Like many counties, Oldham hosts many types of agriculture enterprises.  Equine Operations lead Oldham County in the market value of products sold at over 6.3 million dollars.  Pasture makes up one-third of available farmland and provides grazing for livestock.  Additionally, hay leads all crops in acreage, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture.   

In order to support farming operations, the Oldham County Extension Agriculture Agent

• Provides on-site meetings with producers and advice tailored specifically to the farm’s management practices
• Troubleshoots problems and provides management recommendations
• Works with Extension specialists to provide producers with production information
• Serves as a sounding board for potential changes to operations
• Links producers to other agencies that may be of assistance   

Sixty-one producers benefitted from on-site meetings in 2020-2021, with the majority of these addressing pasture and hay production for horses and cattle.  Outcomes of these meetings included the following: 

• Fifteen producers evaluated pasture stands, stocking rates, and needed forage in order to make crop input decisions that fit their budgets.
• Eight producers decided to use herbicides to control weeds for pasture and hay improvement. 
• Four producers tested hay to evaluate feeding programs and/or health concerns. 
• Six horse owners used technical information provided to improve their neighborhood horse facilities.
• One horse owner will use technical information provided to repair a horse barn instead of tearing it down and building a new facility.
• One producer decided that beginning a boarding operation may provide added income but did not fit in with personal or family goals.  
• One hemp producer will consider the use of paper mulch versus plastic mulch to reduce potential for heat damage.
• Five producers indicated they would contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service to address soil and/or water issues on their farms.

Horse owner decided on complete pasture renovation to provide desired forages for horses and eliminate problematic weeds in the pasture.