campbell county farmerscampbell.ca.uky.edu/files/2020_-_february_ag_newsletter... · 2020. 3....

Campbell County Farmers

So far this has been a relatively mild winter. Most weeks have a few days of warmer than normal weather, followed by a day or two of rain and then a short period of cooler weather. Then the cycle starts all over again. This up and down weather patterns keeps both farmers and

animals in a constant transition. I’m reminded of the crazy wet weather that we had last year at this time and the mud and the health issues it caused. Make sure you don’t fall behind on your winter feeding programs and get caught with weak or in some cases dying animals. Please take a close look at the body condition of your animals and don’t let them loose weight at the crucial time in their life.

February starts a serious look at spring educational programs. Many of these educational programs will address specific issues that were identified during the fall Farm Issues Planning meeting. Please take this opportunity to review the list and mark your calendar with the date, time and location for programs that are of interest to you. Don’t forget to take the comprehensive list of programs and individual flyers and attach them to a prominent place (like your refrigerator) as a reminder of upcoming meetings.

If there are any additional programs or issues that you would like the Extension office to address, or if I can be of any service to you, just give me a call at 572-2600 or 250-6665 (cell).

Thanks and stay warm and dry.

Don Sorrell Campbell County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources

Campbell County 3500 Alexandria Pike Highland Heights, KY 41076 (859) 572-2600 Fax: (859) 572-2619 campbell.ca.uky.edu February 2020

Unless indicated programs will be

at the Campbell County

Environmental Education Center

(EEC)

SPRING 2020

February 10, 6:30 p.m. - Pasture Management on Steep

Slopes See flyer for details

Tuesday, February 11, 10 Am to 2 PM. Corn Production

Lunch provided. Maple Lawn Farm, 202 Bagby Road,

Crittenden, KY 41030

Please call in reservations at 572-2600 by February 10.

February 12-15 National Farm Machinery Show, KY Fair

and Expo Center, Louisville

February 20, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kentucky Alfalfa and

Stored Feed Conference, Hardin County, Elizabethtown

February 22, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Beekeeping 101

Boone County Enrichment Center, 2824 Patrick Drive

Burlington. See article for details.

February 27, 6:30 p.m. and March 5, 6:30 p.m. (Two

part Series) Keys to Beef Cow Reproductive Efficiency

See flyer for details

March 3, 7:00 p.m. Northern KY Beekeepers, Campbell

County Extension office, 3500 Alexandria Pike, Highland

Heights

March 10, 6:30 p.m. Bull Selection/Genetics

Please call in meal reservations at 572-2600 by March 9.

March 17, 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Great Plains no-till

drill demonstration Alexandria Fairgrounds (tentative)

April 9, 6:30 p.m. Weed Control in Pastures, Hayfields

and Other Farm Sites

Agriculture News - February 2020

T he spring of 2019 delayed hay harvest in many parts of the

state. This delay resulted in much of the hay being

harvested at mature stages. Fescue was in full flower to soft-

dough stage or even more mature in some cases. Mature

forages have greater fiber content and lower digestibility.

I tried to demonstrate the impact of late cutting on feed value by

clipping non-fertilized fescue plants the 3rd week in June. These

plants were over three feet tall when I cut them. I proceeded to

separate the bottom leaves, stem and seed head for yield and

quality. The stem and seed head represented approximately

50% of the biomass. The stem had already matured to the point

that it was tan in color. The leaves comprised the remaining 50%

of the biomass and contained 10% crude protein and a

calculated TDN of 54%. The stem itself was only 3.1% crude

protein with a TDN of 45%.

Let me give you a reference to better relate the fescue stem

quality (about half the biomass). As we all know, wheat straw is

the aftermath from harvesting the grain. Wheat harvest often

occurs in late June through July. Did you catch that? The book

values for crude protein and TDN of wheat straw are 3.6% and

43%, respectively. Yes, that stem fraction on the hay cut in late

June is similar in quality to straw! I know we can’t control

weather, and many of you are just trying to make the best out of

what you have to feed. Let’s make an action plan.

Step 1)Test the hay for nutrients so we know what we have in

the hay. Surprisingly much of the hay may be sufficient in

protein for dry, mid-gestation beef cows and only need

energy supplementation. However, cows that came into

the winter thin, may need additional protein

supplementation to regain body condition.

Step 2) Determine the nutrient needs of the class of cattle fed.

Fall calving cows that are nursing 90-100-day old calves

need more nutrients than a dry, gestating cow that won’t

calve until April. Match up lower quality forages with

cattle that have lower nutrient requirements.

Step 3) Develop a supplement program to meet the nutrient

needs. Having the forage test will let you see if you need

to supplement energy, protein or both. A protein tub may

balance the protein needs but still not provide enough

energy due to limited intake. Focus first on meeting the

nutrient needs and then determine what supplement is

the most cost effective and/or easiest to handle to

provide to the cattle.

Protein source generally is recommended to be a plant-based

product. Soybean meal, corn gluten feed, dried distillers grains

and other plant protein sources can be utilized. Non-protein

nitrogen sources (i.e. urea and biuret) can be utilized but may not

be as efficient as plant sources. However, providing non-protein

nitrogen on very low-quality forages is better than not

supplementing if protein is needed to meet the rumen

degradable protein requirements.

In many instances, energy is deficient in the forages and will

need to be supplemented to meet the needs of the cows. The

energy may be from about any source such as starch, sugar,

highly digestible fiber, protein or fat. However, the level or

amount supplemented from these sources have limits to avoid

digestive upsets. For instance, this year corn may be a cost-

effective energy supplement. However, the starch from corn can

reduce fiber digestion if there is insufficient degradable protein in

the rumen. As a rule of thumb, cows should be limited to not

more than three pounds of corn per 1,000 lb. of body weight to

reduce the risk reducing fiber digestion. Sugars from molasses

tend to have less of impact on fiber digestion in the rumen.

However, excessive amounts of sugar consumption can lead to

reduced fiber digestion. Fat supplementation can also have a

negative impact on fiber digestion at higher intakes. Total dietary

fat is typically recommended to not exceed 6%. Forages when

often contain 2-3% fat. Fat intake from supplement then should

be limited to around 0.75 lb./d for mature cows. Let’s say you

had some whole soybeans in the bin that you wanted to feed

rather than sell. Soybeans will contain around 18% oil or fat. The

amount of whole soybeans that would be recommended to be

fed would be four pounds or less. Four pounds supplies about

0.7 lb. of fat to the diet. Limiting intake based on fat applies to

distillers syrup and other high fat feeds.

Feedstuffs with highly digestible fiber work ell on forage-based

diets. Soy hulls, rice bran, beet pulp, corn gluten feed, wheat

middlings and other feeds can be utilized. Feedstuffs with low

starch and highly digestible fiber can be fed at higher rates with

minimal risk of digestive upsets. These feeds can be blended

with cereal grains and protein sources to develop supplements

for the cow herd.

When choosing a supplement to provide to beef cows, begin with

a plan. Once the forage nutrient content is known along with the

nutrient needs of the cattle, the supplement that will balance the

supply and needs can be selected. Several choices will be

available. Cost and ease of handling narrows the selection for

many. Always work with a nutritionist to ensure to develop a

strategy for supplementing your herd. For more information

contact your nutritionist or local county extension office.

Choosing a Supplement for the Cowherd Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD, Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

Agriculture News February 2020 -

G roup lots of calves with uniform weight, frame, and

genetics sell for a premium in the market place.

Each year, I like to evaluate any upcoming opportunities and set

goals for the New Year in an effort to better myself both

professionally and personally. I prefer to call them goals rather

than New Years Resolutions because many people tend to let

resolutions fall through the cracks. When developing goals, the

key is to write them down! Call them whatever you want, in just a

few minutes of looking back and reflecting on some observations

made in the last year I was able to come up with a few goals

focused on improving profitability and the quality of calves

marketed in 2020.

Sharpen the Pencil. Do you have a projected budget for the

year? How much does it really cost you to feed a cow for the

year? Put together an enterprise budget to use as a decision

making tool. There are many templates available online from

various universities and institutions, chose one that’s

geographically relevant and considers the variables that affect

your operation. Be realistic in valuing feed, labor, and livestock

values. Knowing cost of production and breakeven points are

useful in making cattle marketing decisions as well.

Improve Efficiency. Once you know your input costs, it

becomes clearer as to where your operation is less efficient. Is

there an area that needs more improvement than others? One of

the best quotes I heard this past year was that “High return cow-

calf producers do not sacrifice fertility, and fertility equals

reproduction.” That said, look at improving

factors that influence fertility; such as

animal health (more on that later), nutrition,

and genetics. Potential areas to focus

on include; revamping rations of first calf

heifers in order to improve conception and

calving rates, or evaluating your herd’s

mineral supplementation program.

Be Critical. This is an annual reminder to

be critical of individual animal performance

within the herd. Given the current shortage

of quality forage, consider the cost of

calving and keeping an under performing or

an open cow for another year. Remember

below average production and fertility can

be culling criteria just like age, reduced

mobility, poor udder confirmation, and

temperament. Cow size is also overlooked

when making culling decisions. From a

pure feed cost standpoint, a under

preforming 1,600 pound cow cost

significantly more to feed than a

1,300 pound cow.

Focus on Uniformity. You don’t have to spend much time at the

local feeder cattle auction to see that there is a premium for

group lots of uniform weight, frame, and genetics. This premium

combined with management and reproductive advantages

provide support for shorter breeding and calving seasons.

Results from a CattleFax survey show that nearly half of “High

Return” Producers have a calving interval of 45 days or less and

the greater than 85 percent calve in a 60 day window or less.

Take Advantage of Your Veterinarian. In the age of Beef

Quality Assurance, your vet should be more of an asset than

ever. While having the vet out for a farm call is not always cost

friendly (should be budgeted for based on herd history), every

producer should be able to see positive returns from a quality Vet

-Client-Patient-Relationship. Utilize their services to develop and

improve herd health plans, write SOP’s for antibiotic use,

vaccination protocols, identification and treatment of illness.

Be Flexible. I have written before about management practices

that can be used situationally to provide management and

economic advantages. In a year where there is a short supply of

high-quality forage, early weaning maybe an option to reduce the

nutrient demand of lactation. Supplementation of alternative

feedstuffs and annual forages will be key in areas that faced

excessive amounts of precipitation in 2019.

Goals for Your Cow Herd in 2020 Garth Ruff, OSU Extension Henry County


C alving is one of the most important times on the production calendar. Management decisions made

prior to this period can influence success at calving and ultimately profitability of an operation.

Nutrition

The last trimester of pregnancy is when the majority of fetal

growth occurs. During this period the nutrient requirements of the

cow increase accordingly. In particular, the last 45 days prior to

calving are a critical time. The best method to assess the

nutritional status of the cow is to monitor body condition. Ideally,

most cows should enter the calving season with a body condition

score (BCS) of 5. However, early-calving cows (January and

February) and young cows (2 and 3 year olds) should have a

BCS closer to 5.5 or 6. Research has clearly demonstrated that

body condition can have a dramatic impact on subsequent

reproductive performance. If the cows are thinner than desired, it

is advisable to alter the plane of nutrition to add body condition

prior to calving. After calving, the nutrient demands associated

with lactation make it difficult and expensive to add body

condition.

A common misconception regarding pre-calving nutrition is that

feeding cows too well results in increased calving difficulty. This

is absolutely incorrect! Actually, underfeeding cows prior to

calving could increase calf scours and mortality and reduce calf

survival. Along the same vein, overfeeding can be a problem as

well. Cows that are over-conditioned actually deposit fat in the

birth canal which can lead to calving problems.

Some research suggests that calf vigor can be influenced by pre-

calving plane of nutrition. Calves from cows on a maintenance or

high plane of nutrition got up and nursed more quickly than

calves from cows on a low plane of nutrition. Time to nurse is

critical in getting an adequate amount of colostrum in calves prior

to gut closure.

Vaccination

The focus of pre-calving vaccination programs is to provide

immunity to the calf via colostrum. There are several diseases

that can be vaccinated for at this time; however, to vaccinate for

every possible disease is neither practical nor economically

prudent. Consult with your veterinarian or Extension Agent to

develop the vaccination strategy that is appropriate to your

operation.

Timing of Feeding

The Konefal Calving Method involves feeding cows twice daily at

approximately 11:30 am and 9:30 pm. Using this regime, Gus

Konefal was able to get 80% of his cows to calve between 7 am

and 7 pm. Research at Iowa State University produced similar

results. If your cows have access to round bales 24 hours a day

you can feed small amounts of grain (if needed) in late afternoon/

evening and that will help with having more cows calve between 7

am and 7 pm

Calving Management

Preparing calving facilities prior to calving is wise. The calving

area should be clean and dry and be in close proximity to shelter

and facilities needed to assist cows with calving difficulty.

Maternity pens with a head gate, crowding gate, and nursing

panel can also be quite helpful. Calf shelters and/or warming

boxes should also be cleaned and checked (wiring in particular).

Once the facilities are prepared, it is always wise to make a list of

needed items and make sure they are accessible. Some key

items would include: calving jack, OB chains or straps, iodine,

tube feeder, rags or towels, light source, tags and last but not

least… a Beef IRM calendar for recordkeeping. Call me if you

would like one.

Colostrum

Colostrum is critical to survival of the newborn calf. The immune

system of newborn calves is not completely developed.

Consequently, the antibodies and immunoglobulins in colostrum

are a substantial component of the immune protection in

newborn calves. Calves should receive 5 to 6% of their body

weight as colostrum within 6 hours and again within the

subsequent 6 hours.

If the calves are not able to nurse or the cow’s production of

colostrum is insufficient, colostrum from other cows or

commercial colostrum supplements may be necessary. Ideally,

colostrum should be collected from cows within 24 hours of

calving and fed fresh. Colostrum can also be collected, frozen

and used later. Johne’s disease can be spread via colostrum, so

caution should also be exercised when collecting colostrum from

unknown animals.

When collecting colostrum, consider freezing it in “serving” sizes,

or one to two quarts per container. Once colostrum has been

thawed, it should not be re-frozen. Correct thawing will also help

prevent the antibodies and immunoglobulins from being

damaged. Frozen colostrum should either be slowly warmed in

warm water to a final temp of 105 to 110°F. Avoid thawing the

colostrum out in he microwave as it can kill off antibodies in the

milk.

Commercial colostrum supplements are available and research

suggests that calves fed colostrum supplements are healthier

than calves that received no colostrum. However, the level of

protection was lower than in calves fed frozen colostrum.

Spring Calving Tips


Start Planning Now for A Successful Breeding Season Dr. Les Anderson, Extension Beef Specialist, University of Kentucky

A successful breeding season actually begins with management

decisions made at calving. Cattlemen can impact rebreeding

efficiency by focusing on body condition score (BCS), early

assistance during calving difficulty, scheduling a breeding

soundness exam for the herd sires, planning their herd

reproductive health program, and developing a plan to regulate

estrus in their first-calf heifers and late-calving cows.

Reproductive management begins with evaluation and

management of BCS. Body condition score is a numerical

estimation of the amount of fat on the cow’s body. Body condition

score ranges from 1-9; 1 is emaciated while 9 is extremely

obese. A change in a single BCS (i.e. 4-5) is usually associated

with about a 75 pound change in body weight. Evaluation of BCS

prior to calving and from calving to breeding is important to

ensure reproductive success.

Rebreeding performance of cows is greatly influenced by BCS at

calving. Cows that are thin (BCS < 5) at calving take longer to

resume estrous cycles and therefore are delayed in their ability

to rebreed. Research has clearly demonstrated that as

precalving BCS decreases, the number of days from one calving

to the next (calving interval) increases in beef cows. Females

with a precalving BCS of less than 5 tend to have production

cycles greater than 1 year. For example, cows with a precalving

BCS of 3 would be expected to have a calving interval of

approximately 400 days, while a cow with a precalving BCS of 6

would have a calving interval of approximately 360 days. South

Dakota research illustrates the influence of precalving BCS on

the percentage of cows that initiated estrous cycles after calving.

This experiment demonstrated that the percentage of thin cows

that were cycling in the first month of the breeding season (June)

was considerably lower than for cows that were in more

moderate body condition. During the second month of the

breeding season, 55% of the cows with a BCS of 4 had still not

initiated estrous cycles, while more than 90% of the cows in

more moderate condition had begun to cycle. Thin cows need a

longer breeding season, which results in more open cows in the

fall. They may also result in lighter calves to sell the next year

because the calves from these thin cows will be born later in the

calving season.

Management of BCS after calving also impacts rebreeding

efficiency. Maintenance requirements for energy and protein

increase 25-30% for most beef cows after calving. Ranchers

need to plan their supplementation to match or exceed this

increased nutrient requirement. Rebreeding efficiency is

enhanced in cows that calved thin if their energy intake is

increased. Although the best management plan is to calve cows

in a BCS of 5+, increasing the energy to cows that are thin at

calving can boost reproductive performance.

Dystocia (calving problems) can severely delay the onset of

estrus after calving. Research shows that for every hour a female

is in stage 2 active labor there is a 4 day delay in the resumption

of estrous cycles after calving. Early intervention helps; 16%

more cows conceived when cows were assisted within 90

minutes of the start of calving. The best method is to reduce the

incidence of dystocia via selection but early calving assistance

will increase the opportunity of cows to rebreed.

One often overlooked management tool that can improve

reproductive performance is breeding soundness exams in bulls.

Ranchers need to think of breeding soundness exams as

breeding season insurance. These exams are a low-cost method

of insuring that your bull is not infertile. Bulls should be examined

for breeding soundness about 30 days before they are turned out.

I have worked in reproductive management for nearly 20 years

and it amazes me how many cattlemen still do not vaccinate their

cow herd against reproductive diseases. Several diseases are

associated with reproductive loss (lepto, BVD, vibrio, trich, etc).

The main problem is that most reproductive loss due to disease

is subtle and ranchers don’t notice the loss unless they have a

massive failure. Most cattlemen are not aware of their losses due

to abortion. Ranchers need to work with their local veterinarian to

develop an annual vaccination plan to enhance reproductive

success.

Lastly, ranchers need to develop a plan to enhance the

rebreeding potential of their first-calf heifers and late-calving

cows. Young cows and late-calving cows have one characteristic

in common that will greatly impact their reproductive success;

anestrus. After each calving, cows undergo a period of time

when they do not come into estrus. This anestrus period can be

as short as 17 days but can also last as long as 150 days

depending upon a number of factors. Typically, mature cows in

good BCS will be anestrus for 45-90 days (avg about 60 days)

while first-calf heifers will be in anestrus for 75-120 days.

Research has shown that only 64% of mature cows have

initiated estrous cycles about 70 day after calving while on 50%

of first calf heifers have initiated estrous cycles at nearly 90 day

after calving. Let’s consider the impact of anestrus and calving

date for a herd that calves from March 1 until May 10. Bull

turnout is May 20 and the length of anestrus for mature cows is

60 days and for young cows is 90 days. A mature cow that

calves on March 1 will begin to cycle on May 1 and is highly

likely to conceive early. However, the mature cow that calves on

April 20 won’t cycle until June 20 and her opportunity to conceive

early is very limited. A first-calf heifer that calves on April 20

won’t begin to cycle until July 20 and will have limited

opportunities to conceive. Cattlemen can reduce the anestrous

period by fence line exposure to a mature bull (Zalesky et al.,


Timely Tips Dr. Les Anderson, Beef Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

Spring-Calving Herd

Get ready for calving season this month!

Have calving equipment, supplies and labor ready for the spring

calving season. Some supplies which may be needed are: ear

tags and applicator, record book, iodine for calves' navels and

colostrum supplement. Calving equipment (puller and chains,

etc.) and facilities should be ready and clean.

Overall condition of the cow herd should be evaluated. Cows

losing weight now are more likely to have weak or dead calves.

These cows will likely be a poor source of colostrum milk for the

newborn calf. Feed cows, if necessary to keep them in good

body condition.

Heifers may begin head-start calving in early February. Move

them to a clean, accessible pasture, away from cow herd and

near facilities so that calving assistance can be given.

Separate cows that calve away from dry cows and increase their

feed. Increase feed after calving to 25-27 pounds of high quality

hay. Concentrate (3-4 lb. for mature cows and about 8 lb. for first

-calf heifers) may be needed if you are feeding lower quality hay.

Supplementation may have a beneficial effect on date and rate of

conception. The most important time to feed a beef cow is after

calving. Thin cows don't come into heat very soon after calving.

We must have cows in good condition, if we plan to breed them

early in the season for best pregnancy rates, especially on high-

endophyte fescue pastures.

During extremely cold spells, bring the cow(s) into a sheltered

area as calving approaches to protect the calf. Be prepared to

warm-up and feed newborn, chilled calves. Calving in mud can

also cause problems.

Watch for scours in newborn calves. Consult your veterinarian

for diagnosis, cause, and treatment. Avoid muddy feeding areas

so that cows' udders won't become contaminated and spread

scours.

Replacement heifers should be gaining adequately to reach

target breeding weights by May 1. Be sure that their feeding

program is adequate for early breeding.

Start looking for herd sire replacements, if needed.

Fall-Calving Herd

Breeding season should end this month. Remove bulls and

confine them so that they regain condition.

Consider creep feed to supply extra nutrition to fall-born calves

which may have to depend solely on their dam’s milk supply for

growth. They are not getting much except their dam’s milk now

(i.e. there is nothing to graze). February/March is the worst time

of the year for fall-born calves.

Provide windbreaks or clean shelter for calves.

General

Increase feed as temperature drops. When temperature falls

below 15 degrees, cattle need access to windbreaks. For each

10 degree drop below 15 degrees, add three pounds of hay, two

pounds of corn, or six pounds of silage to their rations.

Provide water at all times. Watch for frozen pond hazards. If

cattle are watering in a pond, be sure to keep ice “chopped” to

keep cattle from walking on the ice and, possibly, breaking

through. Keep automatic waterers working.

You should be feeding a mineral supplement with adequate

magnesium to prevent grass tetany (~ 15% Mg) now. The Hi-

mag UK Beef IRM mineral can be used now.

Control lice. Watch for signs such as rubbing.

Begin pasture renovation. You can overseed clover on frozen or

snow-covered pastures.

1984) or by treating the cows with progesterone for 7 days prior

to bull exposure (Lucy et al., 2001). Sources of progesterone

include the feed additive melengestrol acetate (MGA) or an EAZI-Breed CIDRÒ insert (Zoetis Animal Health). Both sources have

been shown to induce estrus in anestrous cows and exposure of

anestrous cows to progesterone for 7 days before bull exposure

will not reduce fertility. Pregnancy rates will actually be increased

in these females because inducing estrus will increase the

number of opportunities these cows have to conceive in the

breeding season.

Managing for reproductive success actually begins at calving.

Cows need to calve with a minimum BCS of 5 and with little

assistance. Effective planning for reproductive health and

management plan for limiting the impact of anestrus will ensure

that cattlemen are satisfied at the end of the breeding season.


Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The protection of the nation's surface

water and groundwater resources has

become one of the primary

environmental issues facing pesticide

applicators. Pesticides can reach

surface water by running off the

application site following a heavy rainfall

and into neighboring streams and rivers

or sink holes. Pesticides can also leach

through the soil profile into the

groundwater. Contamination resulting

from either of these sources is classified

as "non-point source" contamination.

Water contamination can also be the

result of a direct or specific source, such as a spills or back

siphoning during filling of pesticide application equipment. This

type of contamination is referred to as "point source"

contamination. It is the responsibility of all pesticide applicators

to ensure that they are using every means available to prevent

pesticides from contaminating Kentucky's surface water and

groundwater resources. Pesticides applicators can greatly

reduce the risk of either point or non-point source contamination

from pesticides by utilizing Best Management Practices (BMP's).

BMP's are effective, common sense practices that emphasize

proper mixing, loading and application of pesticides and also

include methods that should be used before, during and after

application. When these recommended Best Management

Practices are followed the potential to cause an adverse effect

on the environment will be greatly reduced.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Know the Application Site - Scout the area to evaluate the

extent of the pest problem in order to select the appropriate

control method. Identify environmentally sensitive areas and

learn how the soil types and the layout of each application site

affect the movement of water, both through and across soil.

Read and Follow Label Directions - Pesticide labels contain

important information about applicator and environmental safety,

including water quality protection. Always follow label directions.

Match Application Rates to the Pest Problem - Every

pesticide label specifies application rates. Carefully consider all

aspects of the pest problem, such as the pest or pests, level of

infestation, location, and environmental considerations (i.e., soil

type, organic matter).

Do Not Mix and Load Near Water - Pesticides can reach

groundwater and surface water as a result of discharges or spills

that occur during mixing and loading operations. Mixing and

loading should be done as far as possible (at least 50 feet) from

wells, lakes, streams, rivers and storm drains. When possible,

mix and load the pesticides at the site of application. Applicators

should also consider the use of a liquid

-tight mixing and loading pad. Be sure

all containers being transported are

secured.

Prevent Back-siphoning - When filling

any pesticide spray tank from a well or

other water source, be sure the end of

the hose stays above the spray solution

in the tank. Back siphoning can occur

when the end of the fill hose or pipe falls

below the level of the solution in the tank

and there is a drop in water pressure.

Use an approved anti-back siphoning

device or an air break in the water system.

Calibrate Application Equipment Properly - Frequently check and

maintain spray nozzles, hoses, gauges and tanks. Proper calibration

is the key to applying accurate rates of pesticides. Improper

calibration can result in too much or too little product applied,

irregular distribution and poor pest control. Inaccurate tank volumes

and pressure gauges or worn nozzles also may cause improper

application. Inspect application equipment before every use.

Delay Pesticide Applications if Heavy Rain is Forecast -

Pesticides are most susceptible to runoff from heavy rains

during the first several hours after application.

Avoid Overspray and Drift - Check the pesticide label for

application precautions or restrictions during windy conditions.

Wind speed, temperature and humidity all affect pesticide spray

drift. Drift can be reduced by lowering boom heights and using

nozzles that produce large droplet sizes.

Store Pesticides in a Safe Place - Pesticides need to be stored

in a secure place should be stored in their original containers

with the labels clearly visible. Pesticides must be stored at least

50 feet from any well unless they are stored in secondary

containment.

Properly Dispose of Pesticide Containers - Information about

container disposal is on the pesticide label. Containers should be

triple or pressured-rinsed thoroughly after use, punctured and

disposed of in accordance with label directions or offered for

recycling as part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's

program. Sprayers should be cleaned at the application site

whenever possible and at a safe distance from wells, lakes,

streams and storm drains. The rinsate should be sprayed on a

site that is listed on the pesticide label or used as makeup water

in the next tank mix. Be sure label rates are not exceeded.

Develop an Emergency Response Plan - Anyone who stores,

handles or uses pesticides should have an emergency response

plan in case an accident occurs.


T he older I get the more I realize that heifer development is

as much art as science. The art is understanding what type

of female best fits your operation and your marketing scheme.

What size cow best fits your management system? Which cows

will produce the best replacements?

The science is understanding the principles enabling the “right”

heifers to succeed. Early February is an extremely important

“check-point” in spring heifer development programs.

Regardless of management system, one key factor dictating cow

productivity is a heifer’s ability to breed early in her first breeding

season. Data from many studies ranging back to the 1960’s

clearly demonstrate the key to cow productivity is timing of her

first breeding as a heifer. Heifers that breed early in their first

breeding season wean heavier calves, breed back more quickly,

and become more productive cows. So the key, then, is to

optimize a heifer’s ability to breed early.

Heifer fertility is greatly influenced by age at puberty. Most

producers don’t consider age at puberty of their heifers to be a

major problem, yet few know how many heifers are cyclic at the

beginning of the breeding season. A Nebraska study

demonstrated that the proportion of heifers that were pubertal on

the first day of the breeding season varied greatly over 5

consecutive years in a single herd. The percentage of heifers

that were pubertal on the first day of the breeding season ranged

from only 21% to as high as 64% over the 5-year period. For

maximum fertility and reproductive performance, heifers must

have had at least one estrus before the beginning of the

breeding season. Our goal then is to incorporate reproductive

management techniques to reduce the age of puberty, increase

fertility, and shorten the interval to conception.

One of the largest factors that regulate puberty in the heifer is

weight. For puberty to occur, heifers must weigh at least 65% of

their mature weight. This weight is referred to as their target

weight. Most heifer development programs require that heifers

reach their target weight, approximately 65% of their expected

mature weight, by the onset of their first breeding season.

Because fertility increases until the third estrus after puberty,

heifers should reach their target weight at least 30 days before

the start of the breeding season. I refer to this date as the target

date.

Mid-February is the time to determine if your heifers are “on

track”. Most yearling heifers will need to reach 700-800 pounds

(their projected target weight) by mid-April to ensure high fertility

assuming that the heifer breeding season starts about mid-May.

Weigh your heifers to determine how much they have left to gain

to reach their target weight. If the heifers weighed on average

650 pounds and their target weight is 750 pounds, then they will

need to gain 100 pounds or 1.6 pounds each day for the next 60

days to reach their target weight by mid-April. Heifers should

reach a BCS of 5.0-5.5 by their target date.

The next important phase in heifer development occurs one

month prior to the start of the breeding season. At this time,

heifers should be vaccinated (Vibrio fetus, Leptospirosis, and the

respiratory disease complex which includes PI3, BRSV, BVD and

IBR; modified-live vaccine is preferred), dewormed, and pelvic

area measurements should be obtained. Heifers with small pelvic

areas and especially large heifers will small pelvic areas tend to

have greater difficulty calving. Now is the time to contact your

local veterinarian to schedule this pre-breeding work.

Producers should consider estrous synchronization and/or AI.

Estrous synchronization and AI has many advantages which

include: higher pregnancy rates, heavier, more uniform calves at

weaning, and increase production and labor efficiency. The

greatest advantage of AI is the ability to use more predictable

sires. Since a majority of calving problems in a herd occur when

calving first-calf heifers, it seems logical to synchronize and AI

your heifers to proven calving ease bulls. Contact your local AI

technician to schedule a time to breed your heifers.

Proper heifer development is one of the key components to

profitability in a beef cattle operation. Understanding the art and

science of heifer development can enable producers to

incorporate management techniques to improve the efficiency of

the operation.

Forage Videos KY farmers are fortunate to have a strong Extension Service that

supports agriculture on a local level. You/we are also very fortunate to have an excellent group of dedicate Extension Specialists that focus on all areas of plant and animal agriculture. One group of

specialists that I work closely with are the forage specialists (hay, pasture). These individuals have videotaped some of their programs

and have made them available to farmers. Forage video can be found on www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/ From this link go to the UK Forage

YouTube Channel link to view a number of videos. You can also access the forage videos at the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/user/VTForages/videos

Examples of videos include:

Utilizing Tall Fescue in Grazing Systems

Pasture Renovation – Make a Plan

Hay Storage and Feeding

Innovations in Livestock Feeding

Fence Construction Basics

Assessing and Repairing Damaged Pasture

Keys to Optimizing Profitability in Cow-Calf Operations

Extending Grazing

The Art and Science of Developing Heifers Les Anderson, Ph.D., Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

https://www.youtube.com/user/VTForages/videos


L anes are essential for moving cattle and creating efficiency on beef cattle operations.

The benefits of lanes can be applied to pasture-based Kentucky cattle operations of any size. Lanes can be used to move cattle from pasture to pasture, and to access structures or barns, handling facilities, and load-out areas, which are obvious connections. Lanes can also be used so cattle can use areas with shade.

Figure 1 shows a lane on the Eden Shale Farm in Owenton, Ky. This lane is used to move cattle to and from small research paddocks and to the handling facility. However, the lane is also used seasonally so cattle can use a shady grove of trees in the center of the photo.

A lane can create efficiency for a cattle operation by saving time and effort. In addition to moving cattle from point to point, lanes can have important cattle production components, such as watering stations, gates, mineral sources, and feeding structures. Properly situated, these components can be used by cattle in multiple pastures, saving the producer time and money depending upon the layout and acreage.

Figure 2 shows a watering station that has been situated at the end of a lane and at the intersection of two pastures. This lane tees into another lane, which is also grazed. The hub that is created can be used to move cattle from field to field as well as to provide a watering station for multiple pastures and the two lanes. There is also space within the hub for hay feeding, a mineral source, and portable feed bunkers. Feeding cattle in lanes or hubs makes them easier to catch. Waste hay and manure are easy to remove from a hardened surface.

Farm roads normally are thought of as a means of moving trucks, tractors, and equipment. However, they can also serve as a means for moving cattle. Gates along a road or lane are an obvious choice to limit cattle movement. However, cattle guards, strategically placed and constructed using concrete, steel pipe, or electric wire, can be used as a stopgap structure to keep cattle from getting off the farm and onto highways.

The width of the lane should be sized to accommodate the herd size, the number of animals being moving at one time, and vehicles. The lane could be as narrow as eight feet to reduce cost for materials. However, this may be too narrow to accommodate farm equipment and vehicles. Conversely, lanes should not be too wide. A wide lane is a waste of space that increases the cost of materials for all-weather surfaces, fences, and gates. A wide lane may also require

more than one person to move cattle and may cause producer frustration, as cattle will always go the wrong way if given the opportunity. However, the lane can and should be widened in places to accommodate fence-line feeder, waterers, and sharp turns.

The width of a lane should be planned based on available materials, cost, and personal preferences. Filter fabric typically comes in rolls that are 12 to 15 feet wide. Some vendors only stock 15-foot rolls. This allows producers the option of incorporating 12-foot to 14-foot gates in the design. Regardless of the size of the gate used, it should be rigid enough to handle the pressure exerted by cows or bulls. A heavy 16-foot gate places a significant load on swing posts and may create problems after prolonged use. Gate latches should be easy to operate. A bull-nose latch is a good choice as it is functional and simple to operate.

The type of surface will depend on how often a lane will be used, when it will be used, and the number of cattle using it. Soil type and drainage will affect the load-bearing capacity of a surface. Leaving the surface as grass is an effective way to reduce cost when a few cattle need to be moved a long distance some of the time. More frequent use or winter-time use will require a more robust surface. An example of a reinforced surface is geotextile fabric and rock heavy-use pad. Steep slopes, drainage, and frequent use may require a more robust surface constructed using geotextile fabric and rock with the addition of geocells or a plastic grid incorporated into the design. Other options for strengthening the surface could include concrete or soil

Lanes for Beef Cattle Operations Steve Higgins, Ph.D., Director of Animal and Environmental Compliance

Figure 1. Access lane to the paddocks on the Eden Shale Farm


cement. The surface type dictates how well and how quickly cattle should be or can be moved. Any drainage issues should be addressed at the time of installation. Often, a producer will not have time or funds to redo anything afterward.

Adequate fencing is required in order to make the lane last, to eliminate the chance of escapes, and reduce maintenance. Tame cattle may respect a lane fenced with electric wire or tape but a more permanent and heavily reinforced fence can be constructed using welded cattle panel or four- or five-board plank.

The installation of lanes can be justified by the “hard” savings of time and labor saved. Conversely, not having lanes can increase time considerably and creates unnecessary stress on cattle and the handler. Moving cattle without a lane or with a poorly designed one can make for a long and difficult experience.

Pasture-based grazing operations require that cattle be moved on a reoccurring basis to multiple pastures. The most efficient way of moving cattle is to install gates as close together as possible to reduce travel distances between pastures. As a consequence, a lane or lanes should be installed, with an appropriate surface, to facilitate movement and ease management. A producer may want to include cattle grazing components such as watering stations, mineral, and forage and supplemental feeders, in the lane design, to create a synergistic effect to further increase efficiency and ease management.

Figure 2. Aerial photo of a watering station at the end of a lane on the Eden Shale Farm.

Nuisance Weed

Spraying Program

The

Kentucky

Department

of

Agriculture

Public Pest

and

Recycling

Assistance Branch offers the Nuisance Weed Spraying

Program. This program is designed to target weeds that have a

negative impact on the participant’s agricultural production.

There’s no financial or regulatory cost to the participants.

The registration period for this program is the month of February, and all registration must be done online at http://www.kyagr.com/consumer/nuisance-weed-spraying-program-application.aspx. This program consists of weed

spraying demonstration plots. The department will provide the

sprayer and enough chemical for the treatment of 10 acres of

agricultural land or 100 gallons of spot spraying mix to be used

on agricultural land. The department’s representative will

demonstrate proper mixing and application techniques. A

number of nuisance weeds can be treated under this program

depending on the needs of the participant. This program is

limited to broadleaf weeds.

Broadcast Spraying demonstration plots consist of:

10 acres of agricultural land will be treated with chemical

provided by the Department of Agriculture

Application is performed with a two-wheeled trailer type

sprayer equipped with boomless nozzles

If additional chemical is provided by the participant, an

additional 10 acres can be treated

Spot Spraying demonstration plots consist of:

100 gallons of broadleaf chemical mix which is applied until

sprayer is empty

Application is performed with a two-wheeled trailer type

sprayer equipped with a handheld spray wand used by the

tractor operator

If additional chemical is provided by the participant, an

additional 100 gallons can be sprayed

For each demonstration:

The participant must provide water source

The participant must provide tractor and operator

All chemical products must be labeled and the product label

will be strictly followed

A maximum of 7 participants per county

http://www.kyagr.com/consumer/nuisance-weed-spraying-program-application.aspx




Using Body Condition to Evaluate Your Cows Health Dr. Les Anderson, UK Extension Beef Specialist

W inter is an optimum time to prepare your spring‐calving

herd for reproductive success. Adequate nutrition from

about 50 to 80 days prior to calving is critical to maximizing a

cow’s ability to rebreed and maintain a 365‐day calving interval.

If a cow gets inadequate nutrition or is thin at calving and

breeding, she will take longer to come into heat and will require

more services to conceive. The best method to evaluate the

nutritional status of your herd is to do body condition scores. A

body condition score is an estimate of the degree of body fatness

of an animal, which gives us an estimate of the amount of body

energy reserves available to the cow. Scores range from 1 to 9,

with 1 meaning a cow is emaciated or extremely thin, while a 9 is

an animal that is extremely obese. Body condition scoring is a

tool to help plan your supplemental feeding program so you can

maintain adequate productivity in your herd. You can determine

body condition score by looking at the degree of sharpness or

thinness in several areas of the cow’s body. The ribs and

backbone are two primary regions you need to examine to help

establish body condition score. Other important areas are the

tailhead, shoulder and brisket regions of the cow. In general,

cows with more fat appear smoother in these areas to the point

that individual bones are difficult to see. Cows that are too thin,

scores of 3 or less, have easily identifiable fore and rear ribs,

sharpness across the backbone, sharpness over the hook and

pin bones near the tailhead and sharpness across the shoulders.

These cows need to gain approximately 150‐200 pounds before

calving if you want them to rebreed in a timely fashion. Cows that

are borderline have a body condition score of 4. These cows

have easily identifiable 12th and 13th ribs, but their fore ribs are

covered. The backbone and hooks and pins are still prominent

but are not sharp in appearance. These cows need to gain about

75 to 100 pounds before breeding season. Cows that are in

optimal body condition have scores of 5 or 6 and have a good

overall appearance. No ribs are visible unless the animal has

been shrunk. The backbone, hooks and pins appear rounded

and not easily seen and the area around the tailhead is filled in

but not mounded. These cows simply need to maintain their

weight until calving. Research has shown that cows with scores

less than 5 at calving have lower pregnancy rates and take

longer to rebreed than cows with scores of 5 or higher. The

optimum body condition score for mature cows is a 5 or 6.

Heifers that are calving their first calf need to have a score of at

least 6 to maximize rebreeding success.

Managing the Calving Season

P roviding sound management during the calving season can mean more live calves.

Excessive losses can mean the difference between a year’s profit or loss for a beef

producer. It is important to have a short calving period to allow frequent observation and

assistance if needed. Some specific things a producer can do to limit calf loss include:

Separate first-calf heifers from mature cows. Calving difficulty can run as high as 30 to 40

percent for 2-year-old heifers compared to just 3 percent for mature cows. Place them in a

small, accessible pasture near a corral where assistance can be given if needed.

Provide a clean area for calving. The calving area should be a well-sodded pasture or clean, dry maternity pen, not a wet, muddy

lot. It should also be large enough for adequate exercise and offer protection from prevailing winds.

Be familiar with the signs of calving. Within a few hours of calving, cows generally become nervous and uneasy. As contractions

increase, a cow will likely wander away from the rest of the herd.

Check cows frequently. Observing cows three or four times a day and providing assistance when necessary results in more live

calves. However, cows should be disturbed as little as possible during labor.

Know when a cow needs assistance. Intervention is justified when two or three hours have passed without progress or if delivery

has not occurred within 90 minutes after the water sac appears. In a normal delivery, the calf’s front legs and head will appear first.

There are also a few steps to take after the calf is born to help it get off to a good start. These include making sure the calf is

breathing normally after it is delivered and that it consumes colostrum. Ideally, a calf should consume its first milk within one hour

after birth.

Increase the cow’s energy intake after calving. This would include increased hay quality and quantity as well as increasing energy

feeds such as grains or commodity feeds. The extra energy will help the cow produce enough milk for her calf and allow her to

rebreed on schedule.


The Esophageal Feeder - a Life Saving Tool for Calves

The esophageal feeder is a tool

designed to deliver colostrum when a

calf is unwilling or unable to nurse. The

inability to nurse may be due to a

variety of causes. The steps involved in

using an esophageal feeder are as

follows:

Prior to tubing the calf, examine the feeder to make sure it

is clean and undamaged.

The length of the tube and the size of the calf will dictate

how far the tube should be inserted. Compare the tube

length to the distance between the mouth of the calf and

the point of the shoulder. This is the approximate distance

the tube should be inserted.

The calf should be standing if possible. Place its rear end

into a corner and hold its head between your knees. If the

calf won't stand, at least sit it up on its sternum

(breastbone) and hold the head between your legs.

To ensure that no fluid runs into the mouth of the calf that

could be inhaled in the lungs, either kink the plastic tubing

or clamp it off during passage.

Moisten the end of the feeder (the ball) with colostrum or

vegetable oil to make it more slippery.

Stimulate the calf to open its mouth by putting pressure on

the gums or pressing on the roof of the mouth with your

fingers. Do not hold the nose up; keep the nose below the

ears to reduce the risk of trauma to the back of the throat.

Gently insert the tube into the mouth over the top of the

calf's tongue. When the rounded end hits the back of the

tongue where there is a ridge, the calf should swallow.

Wait patiently until the calf swallows then slide the tube

gently down the esophagus.

Prior to administering the colostrum, check that you feel

the tube in the esophagus on the left side of the calf's

neck. You should feel two tube-like structures in the neck.

The trachea (or windpipe) is firm and has ridges of

cartilage all along its length. The esophageal feeder tube

in the throat is firm but smooth.

Administer the colostrum by raising the bag above the calf

and allowing the fluid to flow by gravity. Never squeeze the

bag to hurry the process. The calf will begin to move (and

vocalize) when it feels pressure as the rumen fills. The

amount of colostrum needed depends on the size of the

calf. Holsteins can readily handle a gallon while smaller

breeds need approximately 3 quarts. Do not remove the

tube until the fluid has had time to empty into the rumen.

S uccessful livestock programs are

dependent on forage programs which supply large

quantities of adequate quality, homegrown feed. Eighty-three

percent of the feed units for beef cattle come from forages.

This value can be put in perspective when we consider that

over 50% of Kentucky’s Agricultural Cash Receipts are from

livestock and livestock products. Research, demonstration

and farmer experience have clearly documented the positive

contribution legumes can make when incorporated into grass

pastures. Adding legumes to hay and pasture fields can

bring at least four major benefits:

Higher Yields — The total yield of forage per acre is

increased. For example, a study conducted at Lexington

compared renovating a fescue pasture using red clover to

fertilizing the grass with nitrogen. In this study, red clover

growing with fescue produced higher yields (11,100 lb./acre)

than fescue fertilized with up to 180 lb. N/acre (9,900 lbs./

acre).

Improved Quality — Adding legumes to grass fields

improves forage quality over grass alone. This added quality

includes increases in palatability, intake, digestibility and

nutrient content. The result is improved animal performance.

Research has shown that legumes improve animal growth

rates, reproductive efficiency and milk production.

Nitrogen Fixation — Legumes get their nitrogen needs from

symbiotic bacteria that live in “knots” (nodules) on their roots.

These bacteria are added when legume seed is inoculated.

This “fixed” nitrogen provides the nitrogen needed by the

legumes and also by grasses growing with them. Different

legumes are able to “fix” different amounts of nitrogen.

Alfalfa usually fixes the most (200 lb./acre) while white clover

is on the lower side with about 115 pounds/acre.

More Summer Growth — Most of the growth of cool-season

grasses occurs during the spring and fall. Legumes (alfalfa,

red clover) make more growth during the summer months

than cool-season grasses. Growing grasses and legumes

together improves the seasonal distribution of forages and

provides more growth during summer.

Role of Legumes

in Pastures


Beekeeping 101

Beekeeping or apiculture is a fascinating activity for all ages. Beekeeping is an excellent hobby that can provide extra money and valuable educational experiences in biology and business. Honeybees are valuable insects. They pollinate about $10 billion worth of U.S. crops and produce about $150 million worth of honey each year.

Beginning beekeeping can be fun and challenging; many new terms must be understood; equipment, tools, and bees purchased; seasonal management practices researched; beekeeping clubs joined; trade magazines subscribed to; classes attended. Understanding the basics of colony inspection, monitoring for pests and diseases, producing honey, and preparing for winter are crucial to success and enjoyment of beekeeping.

Before starting to keep bees, consider these points. Some people are allergic to bee venom and can become seriously ill or even die as a result of just one sting. Bees like to call the hive home. If you respect their home and treat them gently, then your tolerance to a bee sting will seldom be put to the test. Even if you are careful, stings are bound to occur when working with bees. If you are sensitive to stings, you should not keep bees. Neighbors who fear bees might not want hives nearby. Keep your colonies away from areas where people will get in the way. Successful beekeepers, beginners or experts, are always learning about apiculture. They often belong to local or state clubs where they can share ideas and experiences with others.

On Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Northern Kentucky Beekeepers Association will host a Beekeeping 101 School at the Boone County Enrichment Center,1824 Patrick Drive, Burlington.

Topics will include: basic hives, types of honey bees, where to get bees and care and maintenance of hives.

Bring a lunch. Drinks will be provided. This is a free program.

Details at https://nkybeekeepers.com

Register at: http://boone.ca.uky.edu/

Vegetable Garden

Design Design your vegetable garden before you begin planting to

ensure maximum land use and crop yield. The following

guidelines are especially helpful if your garden area is

limited.

Stake and measure the garden area. Be sure the soil drains

well, and the location is in at least eight hours of sun.

Make a list of vegetables to grow, and divide them into

seasonal groups. For example, spring and fall vegetables

include beets, cabbage, lettuce and radishes. Summer

vegetables include cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes.

Sketch your garden on paper. Rotate crops: Don’t plant

crops in the same location year after year. Rotating crops will

decrease pest and disease problems.

Succession plant: Follow spring crops with summer crops

and summer crops with fall crops. Use the same space two

to three times each year.

Intercrop: Put slow growing crops between fast growing

crops or start summer crops between spring crops.

Mix crops within rows. Mix leaf lettuce, carrot and radish

seeds together. The lettuce and radishes grow quickly and

can be picked, leaving space for the slower carrots.

Plant wide rows. Broadcast seed across a one - to two-foot

bed instead of in narrow single rows.

To conserve space use dwarf or bush varieties of vining

plants (cucumbers, cantaloupe, etc.) or train vines up

supports – vertical gardening.

At planting time, be sure to follow the design.

Accurately measure and mark rows and planting spaces.

Take notes of successes and failures and file this information

to help plan your garden next year.


Vegetable Gardening 101 Series - 3/17/2020, 10-11:00am - Soil –

Learn about proper soil preparation to achieve a bountiful vegetable

harvest.

Vegetable Gardening 101 Series - 3/24/2020, 10-11:00am - Plant

Selection – Learn about the best vegetables and varieties to grow in

this area.

Vegetable Gardening 101 Series - 3/31/2020, 10-11:00am - Best

Management Practices – Learn the best garden maintenance

techniques. Includes topics such as fertilizing, harvesting and pest

management.

Marvelous Milkweed - 3/25/2020, 10:00 am or 6:30pm (register for

one class only) – Planting milkweed is a great way to attract

pollinators. It also serves as the host plant for the monarch

caterpillar. Come learn about these amazing plants. Class

participants will receive milkweed seeds.

Grow Your Own Salad - 3/30/2020, 1:30pm – Learn how to grow

plants to make a healthy salad. We will also have information and

sampling of healthy salad dressings. Participants will receive seeds

to start their own salad garden.

All About Brambles - 4/2/2020, 6:30 - There is a lot of interest in

growing fresh fruit at home. This class will inform you of the best

production methods, as well as best varieties of raspberries, black

raspberries and blackberries and where to find them. Participants will

take home a new thornless blackberry variety to try in your garden.

Growing Potatoes - 4/8/2020, 6:30 - Learn proper techniques for

planting and caring for potatoes. Also learn about the best varieties

to grow. Participants will take home a variety of seed potatoes for

their garden

Dried Flowers - 4/21/2020, 10:00 am or 6:30pm (register for one

class only) – Continue enjoying your flowers by drying them. Come

learn about some of the flowers that dry best. We will also discuss

methods of drying. Participants will receive a collection of seeds.

Adding Art to the Garden - 4/29/2020, 10:00am – Enhance your

garden by adding art pieces. Part of the class may take place outside

weather permitting (Dress appropriately).

Growing and Using Culinary Herbs - 5/7/2020, 10:00am – Learn

how to grow and use a variety of herbs that will add flavor to your

meals. Recipes using herbs will demonstrated.

Sunflowers - 5/12/2020, 10:00 am or 6:30pm (register for one

class only) - From miniatures to giants, there is a sunflower to fit

every garden. Come learn about some of the best sunflower varieties

for your garden. Participants will receive a variety of sunflower

seeds.

Managing Lawn Weeds - 5/21/2020, 6:30 – Controlling weeds

begins with a basic understanding of their life cycle. We will cover

annual vs. perennial as well grasses vs. broadleaves and their

management strategies.

Plants for the Senses - 6/3/2020, 10:00 am or 6:30pm (register for

one class only) – Sight is only one of the senses stimulated by

plants. Come learn about plants which interesting textures and

fragrances. A portion of the class will be outdoors weather

permitting. (Dress appropriately)

Ergonomic Tools for the Garden - 6/10/20, 10:00am - Does using

traditional garden tools cause you pain or discomfort? Come learn

about a variety of ergonomic garden tools designed to make

gardening easier. Weather permitting, we will go into the garden to

try several of our tools. Dress accordingly.

Community Celebration - 6/27/20, 10:00am-2:00pm – Join us as

we host our annual Open House and Community Celebration Day on

Saturday, June 27, 2020 from 10 am to 2 pm at the extension office

in Highland Heights.

Air Plants - 7/27/20, 10:00 am or 6:30pm (register for one class

only) - Air plants get their water and nutrients from the air. Learn

about these fascinating plants. Participants will receive a starter air

plant.

What’s Bugging You? - 7/30/20, 10:00am - Learn about insects and

diseases that can be a problem in the garden. A portion of the class

will be outdoors weather permitting (Dress appropriately).

Flower Arranging - 8/12/20, 10:00am or 6:30pm (register for one

class only) - Use flowers, from our educational gardens, to make a

beautiful flower arrangement.

Brown Bag Lunch Series - 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 12:00pm -

Spend your lunch hour learning about various garden topics. Bring

your lunch. We provide the drinks and a light dessert. Register for

one or all classes. Classes begin indoors and may end in our

gardens. Topics to be Determined.

Northern Kentucky Master Gardener Program - Coming

December, 2020- March 2021 - Come join other gardeners for this

15 week volunteer training program. Subjects include botany, tree

identification, soils, propagation, disease and insect identification and

much more. Complete the classroom requirement, then use your new

knowledge by volunteering 40 hours at Extension–approved sites in

order to become a certified Master Gardener. Date, time yet to be

determined. Registration will begin August, 2020. Check our website

or call for more information.

2020 Horticulture Programs

Horticulture Programs: In lieu of class fees, we ask that participants donate non-perishable food or personal hygiene

items. Items will be collected, at the class, and distributed to help those in our community.

As of July 1, 2019, our policy requires 24 hours cancellation notice. Failure to notify us may affect future participation.

All classes are held at the Campbell County Extension Office in Highland Heights - Call 859-572-2600 to register.


39th Annual

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Schedule of Events (Al l Times Eastern)

8:00 Registration and Exhibits

8:30 Welcome and overview for the day

9:00 Getting the full benefit of your fertilizer dollar

9:45 Don’t let insects eat your alfalfa profit

10:15 Break, Exhibits and Silent Auction

10:45 Fertilizing profitable high yield alfalfa

11:15 Getting the upper hand on diseases of alfalfa

and grasses

11:45 Lunch, Alfalfa awards, Silent auction results

1:15 Updates on an online alfalfa management tool

under development

1:30 What’s new in alfalfa weed control

2:00 Advances in hay mechanization

2:45 Making a profit with a cash hay alfalfa

operation—Integrating all the pieces

3:30 Final Comments and Survey Collection

3:45 Adjourn

When: Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM EST Where: Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service 111 Opportunity Way Elizabethtown, KY 42701 Registration: www.KYAlfalfa2020.eventbrite.com Before February 13th: $30.00 After February 13th: $40.00

Sponsored by University of Kentucky College of Ag, Food and the Environment

L iterally thousands of acres of Kentucky pasture and hay

fields are overseeded with clover, much of it frost-seeded in

late winter. Yet this is one of the few times where crops are

seeded where we halfway expect not to get a stand. You would

not accept this for corn or soybeans. Here are a few tips to

ensure you have the best chance of getting clover established

from a frost-seeding.

1) Address soil fertility needs. Get a current soil test, and apply

the needed nutrients. Clovers need soil that is pH 6.5 to 7 and

medium or better in P and K. Do not apply additional N except for

that supplied from diammonium phosphate (DAP) if used to

supply the needed P. But get the soil test; anything else is just a

guess.

2) Select a good variety. Choose an improved variety with known

performance and genetics. Choosing a better red clover variety

can mean as much as three tons of additional hay and longer

stand life. Spread enough seed. UK recommends 6 to 8 pounds

of red and 1 to 2 pounds of white/ladino clover per acre. Apply

higher rates if using only one clover type. Applying the minimum

(6 lb. red and 1 lb. white) will put over 50 seeds per square foot

on the field (37 red, 18 white).

3) Make sure seed lands on bare soil. Excess grass or thatch

must be grazed and/or disturbed until there is bare ground

showing prior to overseeding. The biggest cause of seeding

failure with frost seedings is too much ground cover. Judicious

cattle traffic or dragging with a chain harrow can accomplish this.

4) Get good seed-soil contact. With frost seeding, we depend on

the rain and snow or freeze-thaw action of the soil surface to

work the clover seed into the top ¼ inch of soil. A corrugated

roller can also be used soon after seeding to ensure good soil

contact.

5) Control competition next spring. Do not apply additional N on

overseeded fields next spring, and be prepared to do some

timely mowing if grass or spring weeds get up above the clover.

Clover is an aggressive seeding but will establish faster and

thicker if grass and weed competition is controlled.

Clover can be reliably established into existing grass pastures

with a little attention to detail. Soil fertility, variety, seeding rate,

seed placement and competition control are the major keys to

success.

The following red and white clover varieties have performed well in University of Kentucky forage variety trials and would be expected to perform well in Campbell County under good management practices. Red Clover: Cinnamon Plus, Kenland (certified) and Freedom. White Clover: Regal and Will

Maximizing Success with Frost Seedings of Clover

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