Agriculture & Natural Resources : Agriculture Enterprise
Forages
A renewable resource that Hardin County, as does all of Kentucky, has in abundance and is the main feed for livestock. The majority of the county and the state’s terrain favors livestock production over row crops. Kentucky farms cover 14 million acres, with half of that occupied by forage grasses and legumes. Our natural resources and climate permit the growth of most cool-season and warm-season species. Four grasses occupy the vast majority of our forage land, with Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue occupying the largest number of acres, followed by Kentucky Bluegrass, Orchardgrass, and Timothy. Red, Ladino and White clovers are, by far, the dominant legumes found in county hay and pasture fields. However, the County ranks seventh statewide in alfalfa hay production.
Since the County’s forage base is characterized by cool-season growth patterns, shortages of both quality and quantity occur during the hot, dry summer months. Along with the fact that 90% of our tall fescue pastures contain an endophyte fungus that lowers animal performance, proper forage management is a real challenge for many livestock producers.
A major percentage (over 80%) of the feed units for cattle comes from forages, and livestock and livestock products account for half of the county’s agricultural cash receipts. Cash hay also accounts for a quarter of the total crop value in the state. In addition, forages play a major role in soil conservation, seed production, and aesthetics.
Roundup Ready Alfalfa varieties
Grain and Forage Crop Guide for Kentucky - (AGR-18)
KDA Lime Test Results from KY Quarries
Forage Identification and Use Guide - (AGR-175)
KY Dept of Ag Hay/Forage Program
KDA "Kentucky Proud" Hay Listing Service
Interpreting Forage Quality Test Reports
Renovating Hay and Pasture Fields
Profitability of Spring Hayfield Nitrogen Applications 2010 Guide
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