Success StoryFarmers Learn Strategies for Improving Hay



Farmers Learn Strategies for Improving Hay

Author: Brian Jeffiers

Planning Unit: Johnson County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Livestock and Crops

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Producing quality stored forage is essential for optimum livestock nutrition. After poor hay quality was cited in a number of livestock deaths in early 2020, county extension agents in several eastern Kentucky counties banded together to offer the Master Haymaker program. The seven-session series was offered in early 2021 and provided education on topics ranging from species selection to harvesting techniques. Seven Johnson County farms participated in the series, with most joining the sessions live and the rest viewing the archived recordings later. Three of the families reported gaining new knowledge on establishment techniques, while all reported plans to make changes to their harvesting systems to capture forages at a more nutritious growth stage.






Stories by Brian Jeffiers


Hay Contest Revamped, Expanded, and Still Helping Farmers

about 3 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

Proper nutrition of livestock relies on understanding the content of the feedstuffs being provided t... Read More


Farmers Learn Strategies for Improving Hay

about 3 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

Producing quality stored forage is essential for optimum livestock nutrition. After poor hay quality... Read More


Stories by Johnson County CES


Paint Creek Park Project-Bringing Hope

Paint Creek Park Project-Bringing Hope

about 3 years ago by Brenda Cockerham

Paintings in Paintsville is a mural project hosted in the center of Paintsville in Johnson County. T... Read More


Fall Seed Planting initiative

Fall Seed Planting initiative

about 4 years ago by Brenda Cockerham

60 sets of seeds, 30 gardening calendars (until supplies ran out) and informative packets were distr... Read More


Stories by Forages


Forage group completes national publication on 'Grazing Alfalfa'

Forage group completes national publication on 'Grazing Alfalfa'

about 3 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 3 years ago by Jimmy Henning

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