Fayette County Agriculture & Natural Resources Newsletter
March 2019
Cooperative Extension Service
Fayette County Extension
1140 Harry Sykes Way
Lexington, KY 40504-1383
Phone (859) 257-5582
Email: [email protected]. edu
http://fayette.ca.uky.edu/
Private Pesticide Applicator Training
We will be having 2 trainings to obtain or update your
private applicator certification. They will be held on
March 14, 2019. One training will occur at 10:00am or a
second will be held at 6:00pm. Both will be held at the
Fayette County Extension Office at 1140 Harry Sykes
Way. To RSVP, please call the Fayette County Extension
Office at 859-257-5582.
Burley Tobacco Growers Annual Meeting March 18, 2019; 9:00 a.m.
Tobacco GAP Training, 11:00 a.m. (Register:
https://shop.gapconnections.com/training)
Fayette Co. Extension Office, Lexington, KY
2019 Mid-South Stocker Conference
March 21, 2019; Clarksville Tennessee
Registration: https://ag.tennessee.edu/
midsouthstockerconference/Pages/default.aspx
The CPH Report expands the analysis of CPH-45
sales to estimate the economic value of
preconditioning calves prior to marketing. This
analysis consists of two main components. First, is the
CPH Advantage – which compares prices received in
the CPH Sale to the average weekly statewide prices,
as reported by the Market News Service of the
Kentucky Department of Agriculture, to determine
how well CPH calves sold in that particular week’s
current market. The second component is the
Estimated Net Added Return – which compares the
CPH Sale value of the calf to the estimated value of
the calf at weaning. These estimates use a 60 day
preconditioning period and an average daily gain of
2.5 lbs., with a ration balanced for 2.8 lbs. of average
daily gain. Costs incurred during the preconditioning
period such as feed, health program, interest, death
loss and differences in sales commission are
subtracted from the added value to arrive at an
Estimated Net Added Returns in dollars per head
to estimate the profitability of preconditioning calves
60 days prior to that particular sale.
The following table is a summary of all fifteen CPH-
45 sales held in calendar year 2018. Sales were held in
Guthrie, Lexington, Owensboro, Paris, Richmond and
Springfield. Several items to note:
Paris sold in one owner lots, non-commingled,
and weighed at time of sale.
Owensboro sold with a 2% pencil shrink.
Owensboro, Guthrie and Springfield charge less
commission for CPH calves.
Included in this table, for easy comparison, is the
weighted average line from the same summary for
2017. You can see that in 2018, CPH Advantage or
premiums were slightly down (5.81 vs. 6.11) and feed
costs were slightly higher (0.55 vs 0.52). The biggest
difference was a higher negative wean to sale margin
in 2018 (-$6.66 vs +0.18). This resulted in a lower
average Estimated Net Added Returns in dollars per
head ($68.03 vs $107.46). Realize that the beginning
value or calf value at weaning, is calculated by the
average calf prices 60 days prior to each CPH sale, so (continued)
The CPH Report – 2018 Summary Mr. Kevin Laurent, Extension Specialist, University Of Kentucky and
Mr. Tim Dietrich, Kentucky Department of Agriculture
fluctuations in the market, both at the beginning of the
preconditioning period and at the end of the
preconditioning period can have a significant effect on
these estimates. An example of this market volatility
can be seen when comparing sales held the first week
of December vs the second week of December. The
Estimated Net Added Returns for sales held in the
second week of December benefitted from a market
that broke lower in the second week of October (lower
starting value) coupled with a rise in the market the
second week of December (higher ending value). No
estimate model is fool proof and obviously not
everyone preconditions exactly 60 days, however these
estimates still provide a type of thumb sketch or
barometer of the performance of the CPH-45 sales.
Special thanks to Tim Dietrich for gathering the raw
data and making the initial comparisons used in this
process.
More details on how these figures were calculated can
be found in the column definitions below the table.
Also, visit the CPH-45 website at www.cph45.com. If
you are interested in selling in a CPH-45 sale, contact
your local County Extension Agent for Agriculture
and Natural Resources.
What is “Grass Tetany” and when are cattle most
likely to have it? Grass tetany, also known as
spring tetany, grass staggers, wheat pasture
poisoning, winter tetany or lactation tetany, is a
condition due to a low level of magnesium (Mg) in
the blood. The disorder in adult cattle begins with
muscle spasms and quickly progresses to convulsions,
respiratory difficulty, and death. The amount of
magnesium in the blood is completely dependent on
the amount obtained from the daily diet. Deficiencies
occur most often in beef cows when they are nursing
a calf and grazing young, green grass in early spring.
Fast-growing spring pastures are high in potassium
(K+) and nitrogen (N+) and low in magnesium (Mg++)
and sodium (Na+). Affected cattle often have low
blood calcium concurrently. Fall calving cows may
also experience grass tetany during the winter
months.
Will Feeding Plain White Salt to Cows Prevent
Grass Tetany? This claim is shared every spr ing
and, indeed, there are producers who do not have
grass tetany that only feed salt. How can that be?
Simply put, for those few lucky producers, the
minerals available in their soils and forages are
enough to meet the needs of their cows. A number of
complex factors contribute to the ability of
magnesium to be absorbed through the rumen
(stomach) wall. Primarily there is a “pump”
mechanism that actively transports the dissolved form
of Mg across the rumen wall to the bloodstream. This
pump does not work when potassium in the rumen is
high and sodium is low because this changes the
electrical potential necessary to drive it. Adding salt
to the ration will improve magnesium transport to the
bloodstream only when sodium is low in the overall
diet. Too much salt will increase urination and cause
magnesium to be lost in urine. Salt, as with any
substance, can be dangerous and even fatal at high
levels.
Research has shown that the negative effects of high
potassium in early spring grass cannot be overcome
by simply adding large quantities of salt. However, a
second, passive transport system for Mg exists which
is not influenced by potassium. This transport system
only works when Mg in solution in the rumen fluid is
high. High magnesium mineral mixes prevent grass
tetany by allowing magnesium to passively flow into
the bloodstream of the cow without the need for the
active transport pump.
Has Limited Amounts of Salt in Trace Mineral
Mixes led to an Overconsumption of Minerals?
Regional soil types, soil fertility and diverse forage
species result in different mineral needs for grazing
livestock on every farm. A blanket statement
disregarding these factors is oversimplifying a very
complex situation. Trace minerals such as copper,
selenium, and zinc are all essential nutrients vital for
proper growth, production, and immune system
function. Trace mineral deficiencies are common and
can predispose animals to serious and sometimes fatal
disease conditions. Interactions occur between all of
the various metals, minerals, and other elements in
the diet, and optimal amounts of all elements are
essential for proper nutrition. Trace mineral mixes are
formulated to meet the needs of cattle, including the
need for salt. The keys to using a free-choice product
are to ensure cattle have access to mineral 100% of
the time, use a palatable, quality product and make
sure they are consuming it at the expected level.
Remember a 50-pound bag of hi-mag mineral to be
fed at 4 ounces per head per day will only last 4 days
in a 50 cow herd. If the cows have calves that also eat
mineral, a bag may only last 3 days.
(continued)
Grass Tetany –Start Preventive Measures Now
Michelle Arnold, DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL); Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Extension
Beef Cattle Specialist, University of Kentucky; Dr. Cynthia Gaskill, Veterinary Toxicologist, University
of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Does Grass Tetany Only Occur in the Spring? No!
“Winter tetany” in beef cattle is caused by
consumption of a diet low in energy and an
insufficient intake of magnesium over a period of
time. It may also be observed when feeding wheat or
rye baleage during the winter since these forages are
often high in potassium and nitrogen but low in
magnesium. Affected cattle have borderline low
blood magnesium concentration then clinical signs of
grass tetany are triggered by a stressor such as a
severe cold snap.
Hypomagnesemia is often referred to as an
“iceberg” disease because only a few clinical cases
occur but there are many unobserved or
subclinical cases that may become problems after
a stressful event such as a weather change.
How Can Grass Tetany Be Prevented? Prevention
is based on providing magnesium in the diet during
times when conditions are right for grass tetany. As
long as the active transport pump for magnesium is
working well and driving magnesium across the
rumen wall, grass tetany problems should not
develop. However, when factors prevent this pump
from working (such as when potassium is high in lush
spring grass), the second or “backup” pathway
depends on increasing levels of magnesium in the diet
with a high magnesium mineral mix. A high rumen
magnesium level will allow magnesium to passively
flow into the bloodstream of the cow without the need
for the active transport pump. Supplementation with
high magnesium mineral should begin at least 30
days prior to calving. Cows require 20 grams of
magnesium daily or 4 ounces per day of a 15%
magnesium mineral mix, especially during the late
winter and early spring if pregnant or lactating.
Mineral feeders should not be allowed to be empty
because consistent intake is important for clinical
disease prevention. Do not offer additional loose salt
or salt blocks at the same time! High magnesium
mineral may be discontinued in late spring once the
grass is more mature, the water content of the forage
is decreased, and daily temperatures reach at or above
60°F.
Does the form of magnesium used in the mineral
matter? Absolutely. The feed industry utilizes
magnesium oxide (MgO) to supply magnesium but
there in tremendous variation in quality and
bioavailability. UK Beef Integrated Resource
Management (IRM) mineral recommendations for
free choice supplements for grazing beef cattle
include 15% salt and 14% magnesium in the complete
mineral mix and all magnesium from magnesium
oxide (no dolomitic limestone or magnesium mica).
Current recommendations also include a minimum
50% of the MgO should be of the Martin Marietta
AniMag prilled form. “Prilling” is a method of
processing ruminant animal feed that decreases
degradation by ruminal microorganisms and allows
absorption further down the digestive tract. These
complete mineral mixtures also supply the necessary
sodium in the form of salt to aid in combatting high
potassium intakes. Consumption should be
monitored because cattle will not eat enough trace
mineral if using poor quality products. In addition,
feeding an ionophore (such as monensin or lasalocid)
has been shown to improve magnesium absorption
efficiency.
Are there management changes that reduce the
risk of grass tetany? Yes. These include: 1) Soil
test and apply fertilizer based on soil test results and
use no more potassium than recommended since
grasses are luxury consumers of potassium;
2) Legumes are high in magnesium and will help
offset the problem although their growth is often
limited in late winter; 3) Feeding hay to cattle on
lush pasture during susceptible periods or limit
grazing to 2-3 hours per day will slow the rate of
passage through the digestive tract and allow more
time for absorption; 4) Graze the less susceptible or
non-lactating animals (heifers, dry cows, stocker
cattle) on the highest risk pastures.
In summary, increasing magnesium intake by
supplementing with magnesium oxide, offering
adequate salt to prevent sodium deficiency, and
increasing total energy intake with good quality
forage or supplemental feed are all effective tools in
preventing grass tetany. These are exceptionally
important when moving from winter rations to young
spring grass pasture, especially in lactating cows.
Grass tetany is considered a true veterinary
emergency requiring prompt treatment with
magnesium to prevent death.
Tammy Brewster-Barnes, MS, extension associate, spoke
to students, veterinarians, farm owners, and horse
enthusiasts about horses and the Kentucky Ag Water
Quality Act at the 2019 University of Kentucky Equine
Showcase, held Jan. 26 in Lexington.
She covered water-quality issues relating to horse farms, as
well as best management practices (BMPs) for preventing
water pollution on or near farms, creating a water and soil
conservation and nutrient (manure) management plan, and
accessing resources available to help landowners comply
with the Kentucky Agricultural Water Quality Act
(AWQA).
The Kentucky General Assembly passed the Kentucky
AWQA in 1994 with the goal of protecting the surface and
groundwater resources from pollution resulting from
agriculture and forestry activities. The act promotes
practical natural resource management systems that protect
Kentucky’s waters and complies with government rule and
regulations. It mandates that landowners of 10 or more
acres who apply plant available nutrients or who export
manure must develop and implement a nutrient
management plan as part of their agriculture water quality
plan.
Brewster-Barnes said agriculture, as an industry, is a
significant source of nonpoint water pollution—meaning
runoff from eroded pastures, manure piles, fertilizer
application, and concentrated animal waste. These
pollutants frequently enter the watershed through
agriculture related activities and can have devastating
impacts on both the environment and horse heath.
In terms of water quality, “farmers have the biggest
opportunity to make the biggest changes,” she said.
The AWQA emphasizes the importance of using effective
and economic BMPs to create a water quality plan to
reduce and prevent water pollution.
The Kentucky AWQA states that BMPs establish the
minimum acceptable quality levels for planning, siting,
designing, installing, operating, and maintaining
agriculture and silviculture facilities and operations.
Brewster-Barnes said BMPs are dependent on the focus of
the agricultural activities on the property (i.e., farming the
land or raising cattle) as well as water bodies on or near the
farm, the land slope, and erosion potential, which all vary
from site to site.
Horses and Water Quality
She said horse owners’ biggest concern relating to water
quality is the introduction of excess phosphorus and
sediment into Kentucky’s creeks, streams, and rivers.
Horses are unable to digest certain forms of phosphorus, so
it is commonly added into their diet via concentrates and
supplements. When this phosphorus is fed in excess, it is
excreted in the manure and can end up as nutrient runoff,
which can upset the balance of the aquatic ecosystems
downstream.
Phosphorus in manure and commercial fertilizers can be
utilized by plants, bind to the soil, or become water-soluble
when soil concentrations are too high. Meanwhile,
sedimentation in Kentucky’s waterways from erosion due
lack of land cover carries soil-bound phosphorus into the
water. Then, aquatic plants and algae utilize the
phosphorus, which results in blooms. When these plants
and algae die, however, the water is depleted of oxygen,
which negatively affects water quality and could result in
fish deaths.
Specific horse industry BMPs vary among farms, but their
implementation can help reduce water pollution caused by
horses. Some examples are good pasture utilization and
management, soil testing to determine nutrient
concentrations prior to applying fertilizer, proper manure
application on fields (which includes proper set-back
distances from water or sink holes), proper manure storage
and composting, and refraining from mowing near creek
and pond edges. Brewster-Barnes also recommended
owners use fencing to keep horses away from streams,
sinkholes, ponds, forestland, and eroded areas.
She also said certain plants can help mitigate erosion near
water sources and create a riparian zone to filter pollutants
from pastures before they enter streams, ponds, and
sinkholes.
“Let plants and grasses do their job,” she said. “That’s
going to be your filter system.”
Learn more about riparian areas at www2.ca.uky.edu/
agcomm/pubs/id/id175/id175.pdf.
Additional Benefits
Complying with the Kentucky AWQA has many
benefits for farm owners, Brewster-Barns said,
including the ability to participate in cost-sharing
programs such as the Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water
Quality Cost Share Program, the Natural Resource
Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives
Program, and others. These programs can help farm
owners with the costs of implementing BMPs to divert
runoff and improve existing pasturelands.
(continued)
Preventing Water Pollution on Your Horse Farm
In order to participate in cost-share farm owners will likely
need to provide a Kentucky agricultural water quality plan;
if the property stores manure, a nutrient management plan;
a practice plan or goal; and a completed application.
Brewster-Barnes encouraged farm owners to think
critically about their properties and identify if they had any
issues, such as manure handing problems, erosion, or low
crop or hay yields. Then, she said, they should consider
what aspects they could improve upon to boost their
property’s productivity and subsequently work on a
nutrient and water quality management plan.
The UK Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engi-
neering Department says there’s no required frequency for
plan updates. Brewster-Barnes recommended reassessing
plans every three to five years and/or every time they make
significant changes related to plans to ensure they remain
up-to-date.
She also emphasized the importance of using resources
available to local farms through their county’s Cooperative
Extension Service or Conservation District Office. These
professionals are familiar with the act and the statewide
plan, as well as with how to implement plans at farms, she
said.
“I do not look at the Kentucky Ag Water Quality Act like a
regulation,” Brewster-Barnes said. “I look at it like a tool.”
The UK Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Department offers planning tools for landowners to assess
their operations and identify BMPs to be included in their
water quality plan at uky.edu/bae/awqp.
Samantha Geller, a senior double-majoring in equine
science and management and environmental and
sustainability studies, is a communications intern with UK Ag
Equine Programs and the Gluck Equine Research Center.
Ordinarily, I would use my February article to discuss the
USDA cattle inventory report that typically comes out in
late January or early February. However, due to the shut-
down, that report is scheduled to come out at the end of the
month, so we can have that discussion in March. With beef
cow slaughter at such high levels, I do think we are starting
to see early signs of beef cow herd growth slowing. But, I
still look for a slight increase in beef cow numbers when
the estimate comes out. In reality, anything between no
change and a 1% increase would not surprise me.
Calf markets really haven’t moved since December. A 550
lb steer remains in the low-mid $140’s, as can be seen in
Figure 1. January 2019 prices were roughly $11 per cwt
below 2018 levels. Note that February just includes one
week of prices, but I did choose to include it in the chart.
I still feel that this calf market can rally significantly,
probably $20 per cwt, between now and spring grass. Cull
cow markets also continue to struggle and I do think
weather is a major reason due to stress and condition.
Market reporters are indicating that a larger-than-usual
share of cows are falling outside or normal grades that are
reported. This means that a lot of producers are receiving
prices for cull cows below what I typically report as a state
average.
Figure 1. 550#
Medium & Large Frame #1-2 Steers
KY Auction Prices ($ per cwt)
Source: USDA-AMS, Livestock Marketing Information
Center, Author Calculations
It has been a while since we discussed cattle on feed
numbers, so I thought it might be worth revisiting that for
just a bit. In January 2018, cattle on feed numbers were 8%
above year ago levels. Much of that was due to the larger
2017 calf crop and early placements of cattle due to poor
wheat grazing conditions last winter. By the end of 2018,
total on feed inventory was roughly 2% above year-ago
levels. This is about what I would have expected given the
size of our last calf crop. Put simply, current on feed
numbers are probably a lot more representative of current
conditions (see figure 2). Beef production will increase for
2019, but by a smaller percentage than we have seen in
several years.
Figure 2. USDA Monthly Cattle on Feed
Source: USDA-NASS, Livestock Marketing Information
Center
Kentucky Beef Cattle Market Update Dr. Kenny Burdine, Livestock Marketing Specialist, University of Kentucky
Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) is one of the most
widely grown perennial grasses in the world and covers
approximately 37 million acres in the United States alone.
It can be infected with an endophytic fungus (Epichloë
coenophiala), which in a symbiotic relationship with the
plant produces chemicals called alkaloids that confer
benefits to the plant.
This tall fescue, native to Europe, was introduced into the
United States in the 1800s. In 1931, E.N. Fergus, a
University of Kentucky (UK) agronomist, collected tall
fescue seed from the Suiter farm in Menifee County,
Kentucky, on the basis of winter hardiness, persistence in
high-traffic areas, and drought resistance, giving rise to the
cultivar of fescue known as Kentucky 31 (KY31).
However, some of the alkaloids, primarily the ergot
alkaloids produced by infected plants, are detrimental to
grazing animals, including horses.
Historically, the endocrine hallmark of fescue toxicosis in
several animal species is a decrease in the circulating
concentration of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is
secreted by the pituitary gland, and control of its secretion
is complex and not completely understood. Prolactin exerts
effects on a variety of systems including milk production,
steroidogenesis (estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone),
hair growth and shedding, libido, and synthesis of
surfactant by the fetal lungs. Importantly, prolactin may
also exert an effect on the fetoplacental unit by altering
steroid synthesis and/or metabolism and maturation of the
fetal adrenal-pituitary axis, which is necessary for
parturition. One major regulator of prolactin secretion is
dopamine, a hormone produced by the hypothalamus.
Dopamine interacts with receptors in the pituitary gland
and inhibits the secretion of prolactin.
Ergovaline is the most abundant ergot alkaloid in tall
fescue. Ergovaline, and several other alkaloids from
fescue, have similar chemical structures to dopamine and
can bind to dopamine receptors, thereby causing a decrease
in prolactin secretion, resulting in partial or complete
agalactia (the inability to produce milk) in foaling mares.
Additional problems associated with KY31 fescue
consumption in foaling mares include altered hormone
concentrations, extended gestation, thickened placenta,
placental retention, dystocia (difficult birth), birth of
dysmature foals, and increased foal and placental weights.
Dopamine receptors have been found in tissues other than
the pituitary, including ovarian tissues and the corpus
luteum, but the roles of those receptors in fescue toxicosis,
if any, have not been fully elucidated. The drug
domperidone is frequently used in broodmares that are
exposed to KY31 fescue and prevents or reverses the
adverse reactions of ergovaline. Domperidone functions by
binding to dopamine receptors, but rather than suppressing
prolactin production, it competes with dopamine and
allows for normal prolactin secretion.
Because of the adverse health effects of common
endophyte infected fescue in grazing animals, varieties of
tall fescue which do not contain the fungal endophyte have
been identified. Even though these endophyte-free varieties
do not produce ergot alkaloids, animal performance is
excellent. However, the plants do not persist well in
pastures or compete well with other pasture grasses. More
recently, endophyte strains that do not produce the
alkaloids that are harmful to animals but still confer vigor
and persistence to the plant, have been identified and
inserted into tall fescue. These are called novel-endophyte
varieties of fescue, and some of these are commercially
marketed as “Jesup Max Q,” “Texoma Max QII,” and
“Baroptima Plus E34.” More recently, “Lacefield Max
QII” was released by Tim Phillips, PhD, in the UK
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.
The Alliance for Grassland Renewal is an association of
seed companies, universities, and government agencies that
regulate themselves by establishing certain quality control
standards for novel endophyte tall fescues. For example, all
seeds sold under the alliance tag must be 95% pure, have
70% live (viable) endophyte, and have independent
confirmation that the fescue variety does not cause fescue
toxicosis in animals and will persist well under
conventional grazing conditions.
Although this article emphasizes the effects of ergot
alkaloids on a dopaminergic receptor, it is important to
remember that some of the alkaloids also bind to other
receptor types, including adrenergic and serotonergic
receptors, and thus may affect additional body systems.
CONTACTS:
Karen McDowell, PhD—[email protected]—
859/218-1104—UK Maxwell H. Gluck Equine
Research Center, Lexington
Tim Phillips, PhD—UK Department of Plant and
Soil Sciences, Lexington
Tall Fescue: Endophyte-Infected, Endophyte-Free,
and Novel-Endophyte
The 2018 Farm Bill was passed by Congress and signed by
the President last month. In reality, the structure of the
2018 Farm Bill is not much different than the previous
farm bill (2014) with crop insurance, Agricultural Risk
Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
remaining the main safety net components for program
crops. This status quo outcome was largely a result
political realities and budget constraints. Once the
controversial debate over the nutrition title was resolved,
the 2018 farm bill passed by huge bipartisan support in
both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. Given the current
situation and outlook for the U.S. farm economy, the
structure of this legislation provides safety net benefits, but
will not by itself
relieve U.S./
Kentucky
agriculture from
the current
financial stress
facing the sector.
Projected costs estimates reveal that nutrition programs will
account for 76% of the funding for the life of the 2018 farm bill
(2019-2023), compared to nearly 80% under the 2014 farm bill.
Farm-related programs (commodity, conservation and crop
insurance) comprise 23% of the total expenditures. The
remaining one percent is split among other programs such as
trade promotion, research/extension, horticulture, rural
development, forestry, credit, energy and other miscellaneous
programs.
The Congressional Budget Office indicates that the 2018 Farm
Bill will be budget neutral over the ten year scoring period
(2019-2028). Commodity support program funding is boosted
primarily due to relatively low anticipated commodity prices and
not due to major structural changes. Lower farm prices have led
to lower premium subsidies for crop insurance outlays, which are
also impacted by higher administrative fees for farmers selecting
catastrophic coverage. Conservation, trade promotion, research
and extension, and horticulture (primarily local and regional food
and value-added programs) received higher funding over the
2019-2023 period. Increased funding for these programs were
made available from changes in an escrow account held by the
nation’s rural electric cooperatives to pay off USDA loans as part
of adjustments within the rural development title. Highlights
from various components of the 2018 farm bill are summarized
below.
Commodity Title:
Marketing loan rates for program crops are increased, but at a
level, which if observed, would be devastating to the current
depressed farm economy. (See Table 1)
Producers will have the option to select between PLC or ARC
for program crops on a crop-by- crop and farm-by-farm basis
in 2019, and then again annually in 2021, 2022, and 2023. PLC
remains the default option if producers do not make an
election.
PLC reference prices will initially remain at the levels
established under the 2014 farm bill, with an escalator
provision allowing these safety net prices to increase by a
maximum of 15% above their statutory level. Specifically, the
effective reference price is calculated as the greater of 85% of
the five year Olympic moving average price (which excludes
high and low prices during the five year period) and the PLC
reference prices established in the 2014 Farm Bill. In reality, it
will take a sustained period of commodity price increases
during the life of the 2018 farm bill to elevate PLC reference
prices above their 2014 levels. (See Table 1)
For PLC calculations, producers will have an opportunity to
update their yield history in 2020, based on their yield history
during the 2013 to 2017 crop years. Program yield changes for
each farm bill crop will be limited to 90% of the average farm
yield per planted acre from 2013-2017, adjusted by national
yield trends.
Yield data collected by the Risk Management Agency (RMA)
will become the primary source of data for ARC yield
calculations, replacing National Agricultural Statistical Service
(NASS) survey data. Separate yields will be used for irrigated
versus non-irrigated land in each county in calculating ARC
payment guarantees. In addition, the yield plug used for ARC
calculations will be increased from the 2014 farm bill level of
70% to 80% of the county transitional yield. Both PLC and ARC program payments will be suspended for
producers who did not plant a program crop on their base acres
over the past ten years. Under this situation, producers would
be eligible to enroll these acres into the Conservation
Stewardship Program (CSP) for five years at an annual
payment rate of $18/acre. (continued)
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
(2018 Farm Bill)
Kentucky Beef
Quality Care Assurance Training
A Beef Quality and Care Assurance Training will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at the Fayette County
Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way. Two sessions will be offered - 10:00am or 6:00pm. This training will
provide both the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Cattle Handling and Care training. This will qualify for CAIP
education training.
To RSVP, please call the Fayette County Extension Office at 859-257-5582.
For Plate It Up Recipes, Visit:
http://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/content/plate-it-kentucky-
proud
Payment limitations (for ARC/PLC programs) remain at
$125,000 per person or entity ($250,000 for married
couples) for those individuals/entities whose Adjusted
Gross Income (AGI) is less than $900,000. Payment
eligibility is expanded to include cousins, nephews, and
nieces who are deemed actively engaged in the farming
operation.
The major risk management tool for dairy farmers
(protecting farmers when the margin between milk prices
and feed costs falls below producer-selected coverage
levels) was maintained, but the Dairy Margin Protection
Program (MPP) was renamed the Dairy Margin Coverage
(DMC) program. In addition, the DMC calls for greater
premium adjustments and coverage level options
(increased coverage from $8/cwt to $9.50/cwt for the first
5 million pounds of production) to provide an improved
safety net for dairy farmers, especially smaller dairies.
For specific details, check out www.fb.org/market-intel/
reviewing-dairy-margin-coverage and https://
farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2018/12/dairy-provisions-in-the
-2018-farm-bill.html
Conservation Title:
Increases Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres
from 24 million to 27 million over time. CRP rental rates
would be capped at 85% of local rental rates for general
signup acres and 90% for continuous signup acres.
Increases funding for conservation programs by $555
million during the life of the 2018 farm bill with
increased funding for the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP), but lower funding for the
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
New incentives provided for producers who utilize cover
crops, crop rotations, and other conservation practices
that protect water quality.
Other Components
Hemp is removed from the controlled substance list,
allowing the crop to be eligible for federal crop
insurance, and federal research grants.
Increases annual farm loan authorization to $10 billion,
up from $4 billion and boosts the limits on guaranteed
loans to $1.75 million per borrower (vs current limit of
$700,000), with incentives for socially disadvantaged and
beginning farmers.
Funding provided for broadband projects and programs to
combat opioid addiction.
Expanded research funding for organic research and
extension programs, and specialty crop research.
Maintains value-added producer grants, and funding for
farmers markets, and local food promotion programs.
Funding provided for beginning farmer programs.
New funding for controlling animal disease breakouts.
The government shutdown has delayed USDA offering
specific regulations related to the 2018 farm bill. So stay
tuned for future developments as they evolve in the coming
weeks/months. A copy of the entire 2018 Farm Bill can be
accessed online at https://docs.house.gov/
billsthisweek/20181210/CRPT-115hrpt1072.pdf
…at least I hope so. Our Kentucky Forage and Grassland
Council board met yesterday, and they challenged all of us
in forage leadership to get as specific as possible about
what producers should do about mud. What follows is a
synthesis of thoughts about the path forward after what
amounts to two years of incredibly wet winter weather.
Henry Ford said ‘Obstacles are those frightful things we
see when we take our eyes off the goal. With that in mind,
I am going to challenge us all to think beyond the short
term problem of a pugged up field to the ultimate goal to
be accomplished. We need to get a thick stand of grazing
and traffic tolerant grass on these areas before going into
the next winter feeding period.
So instead of thinking now about the next 60 days, let’s
start with ways to get a thick stand of grass by fall of 2019.
To do that, we need to have the damaged field in shape to
seed to permanent cover by mid-August. I said ready to
seed. Lord only knows what the summer will bring,
assuming we get one.
In terms of the type of grass to seed, I think the only hope
for holding these feeding area fields together is tall fescue.
The choice between a novel tall fescue variety or ordinary
KY 31 is perplexing, even for me. The novel fescues are
clearly tough, and this is clearly an opportunity to upgrade
a field.
No till seeding will help preserve the soil structure that you
build with interim forages (or weeds unfortunately) next
summer. You will want to use seeding rates on the high
side of the range (25 lb per acre or more) and you will
want to drill in two directions with a half rate each time.
Realistically, this strategy will only provide about 6 to 8
inches of growth going into fall, but it is permanent cover.
What you do just prior to the fall seeding window is
flexible, much of it driven by when you can get animals off
the damaged field, your need for forage from that field and
how much smoothing that field needs. I am sure that you
are thinking, “I’d get them off of there tomorrow if I had
any other options.” That said, let’s say the best case
scenario is you get access to the field on April 1. We
routinely spring seed red clover in April and get 2 tons of
dry matter and more. You are going to have to smooth up
the field in order to get good seed-soil contact.
Red clover will not provide any hoof support but it is
easily managed so fall seedings of grass are possible. We
are putting out some demonstrations using a mix of
crabgrass and red clover as well. Based on our goal of
permanent grass cover, manage the vegetation present so
the grass seeding has the advantage; that means you may
want to use a non-selective herbicide to prepare for a fall
seeding.
Summer annuals (sorghum-sudangrass, sudangrass, pearl
millet) give us more time to get the ground smoothed, as
they are usually seeded beginning in early May depending
on soil temperature. These grasses have the advantage of
providing high yields as well as utilizing the fertility
provided from the manure and urine in hay feeding areas.
Indications are that seed supplies of these products will be
tight because of poor harvest conditions last year. So if that
is your plan, book your seed early. Consult AGR-229,
Warm Season Annual Grasses in Kentucky (Google AGR-
229 UKY) to see which one is right for you.
Finally, it is still conceivable that ryegrass (planted right
away) can provide some quick cover, and spring oats can
actually yield 2 tons plus if planted my mid-March. The
likelihood of getting a seeding window in the next two
weeks is dwindling, but the option is there.
Summarizing all of this, our goal is a good stand of
permanent cover on our winter feeding areas. Everything
we do has to work towards that goal. Got ideas: Contact
me at [email protected]. I would love to hear your
thoughts, comments and questions.
Happy foraging.
Figure 1. A dry sunny day would be a welcome site, but
not likely soon. Don't be distracted by the immediate
problem of mud when thinking about rehabilitating pugged
up pastures. Focus on how best to re-establish permanent
cover.
The sun will come out…
Forage Doctor Column
Dead Animal Removal Reimbursement Program
• We reimburse up to $60.00 an animal and $35.00 for self delivery to a
state certified drop-off site.
• Deliveries to a diagnostic lab do not qualify for reimbursement.
• Must submit a paid invoice from state certified facilities up to two
months after invoice date.
• We will issue reimbursements monthly after each board meeting, so
make sure your proper mailing address is on the
• submitted invoice.
• Any deceased farm livestock is eligible for this program in Fayette
County. Sorry, no pet removal.
• State Certified DAR Companies are:
Bluegrass Recycling
1-888-744-1186 Conboy Enterprises
1-859-221-6998 Harmon’s
1-859-567-2111
Heavy Use Area Cost Share Program
Lexington just had the wettest year on record with over 70 inches of
rainfall in 2018! This program will help provide Fayette County landowners with the
means to repair gateways and other heavy use areas to reduce degradation and soil
erosion using non-woven geotextile filter fabric and rock.
Soil Sample Voucher Program
We have collaborated with Fayette County Cooperative Extension to cover the entire
cost of soil samples (up to 25 per household) for Fayette County residents in order to
assist with determining soil quality and whether there are excess nutrients and organics
in ground and surface water. Any Fayette County resident may participate. Soil samples
must come from a Fayette County address and it is required that the UK Extension Lab
be used for soil testing. Vouchers are available on our website or at the Fayette County
Extension office.
Pollinator Habitat Cost Share Program
This program is perfect for your backyard! The FCCD is offering the Pollinator Habitat
Cost Share to assist homeowners in establishing, enhancing, restoring and/or
maintaining pollinator habitats.
• 50/50 Cost share
• Reimbursement up to $500
• Applications accepted beginning March 15th
• Granted on a first come, first served basis
Pollinator Habitat
Project Ideas
• Milkweed for Monarch
breeding site
• Plant other native species
that support pollinators
• Backyard butterfly garden
• Bee friendly flowers
• Artificial nest sites for bees
or bats
New Programs Being Offered This Spring
More information is available at http://forages.ca.uky.edu or [email protected]
20
19
Kentu
cky Fencin
g Scho
ols
helping producers learn the newest fencing methods and sound fencing construction with classroom and hands-on learning
Organized and Sponsored by the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council,
UK Cooperative Extension Service, and the Master Grazer Program
WHEN: April 9, 2019 in Lexington, KY April 11, 2019 in Burkesville, KY May 30, 2019 in Russellville, KY WHERE: Pirri Equine Teaching Pavilion UK Maine Chance Farm 2815 Newtown Pike Lexington, KY 40511 Cumberland County Extension Office 90 Smith Grove Road Burkesville, KY 42717 Logan County Extension Office 255 John Paul Road Russellville, KY 42276 COST: $30/participant -- includes notebook, refreshments, and lunch
Program Registration – DEADLINE is 2 weeks prior to workshop Online Registration with CREDIT CARD at https://forages.ca.uky.edu/
Location you are registering for:
_____ Lexington, KY _____ Burkesville, KY _____ Russellville, KY Registration by U.S. Mail: Rehanon Pampell UK Research and Education Center 1205 Hopkinsville St. Princeton, KY 42445
Name: ______________________________________________
Street: ______________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: _________ Zip code: __________
Email: _________________________________________________________
Cell Phone: ___________________________________________
Number of participants _________ x $30 per participant = ________ Total Amount to Enclose
Make CHECKS payable to: KFGC
LIMITED TO 30
PARTICIPANTS!
2019 Kentucky Fencing School Agenda
7:30 Registration and Refreshments
8:15 Welcome and Overview of the Day
8:30 Fencing Types and Costs - Morgan Hayes, UK
9:00 Fence Construction Basics - Clay Brewer, Stay-Tuff • Perimeter fences vs. cross fences • Fencing options on rented farms • Proper brace construction • Line posts and fence construction
9:45 Break – visit with sponsors and presenters
10:15 Overview of Kentucky Fence Law - Clint Quarles, KDA
11:00 Electric Fencing Basics - Jeremy McGill, Gallagher • Proper energizer selection and grounding • Proper high tensile fence construction and wire in-
sulation • Electric offset wires for non-electric fences • Underground wires and jumper wires
11:45 Innovations in Fencing Technologies - Josh Jackson, UK • wireless fences, fence monitoring
12:15 Catered Lunch - visit with sponsors
1:00 Hands-on Fence Building - Clay Brewer, Stay-Tuff; Jeremy McGill, Gallagher; and Jody Watson, ACI
• Safety, fence layout, and post driving demo, Jody Watson, ACI
• H-brace construction, Jeremy McGill, Gallagher and Clay Brewer, Stay-Tuff
• Knot tying, splices, and insulator installation, Jeremy McGill and Clay Brewer, Stay-Tuff
• Installation of Stay-Tuff Fixed Knot Fence, Clay Brewer, Stay-Tuff
• Installation of High Tensile Fencing, Jeremy McGill, Gallagher
4:30 Questions, Survey and Wrap-up
Spring 2019 Kentucky Grazing School helping producers learn the newest grazing methods with classroom and hands-on learning
WHEN: April 23-24, 2019
WHERE: Central Presbyterian Church 112 West Main Street Princeton, KY 42445
COST: $50/participant -- includes all materials, grazing manual, breaks, and lunch both days
Program Registration – DEADLINE is April 5, 2019
Online Registration with CREDIT CARD at https://forages.ca.uky.edu/
Registration by U.S. Mail:
Rehanon Pampell UK Research and Education Center 1205 Hopkinsville Street Princeton, KY 42445 Email: [email protected]
Name: ______________________________________________
Street: ______________________________________________
City: ________________________________________________
State: ___________ Zip code: __________
Email: _______________________________________________
Cell Phone: ___________________________________________
Number of participants _______ x $50 per participant = ______ Total Amount
Make CHECKS payable to: KFGC
A list of nearby lodging can be found at http://wkrec.ca.uky.edu/directions
Sponsors:
LIMITED TO 45
PARTICIPANTS!!
More information is available at http://forages.ca.uky.edu or [email protected]
Spring 2019 Kentucky Grazing School helping producers learn the newest grazing methods with classroom and hands-on learning
Tuesday April 23, 2018
7:30 Registration & Refreshments
8:00 Introduction of staff and participants
8:15 Benefits of Rotational Grazing – Dr. Ray Smith
8:35 Meeting Nutritional Needs on Pasture-Dr. Donna Amaral-Phillips
9:05 Grazing Math Concepts/ Introduce Field Exercise- Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
9:45 Break & Travel to Field Demonstration Area
10:10 Introduction to Temporary Fence- Jeremy McGill
10:30 Portable/Seasonal Water Systems- Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
10:50 Methods to Assess Pasture Production and De-termine Stocking Rate- Dr. Ray Smith
11:30 Hands-on Building a Rotational Grazing System in the Field: Setting up Small Paddocks– Drs Ray Smith, Jeff Lehmkuhler, & Chris Teutsch
12:20 Lunch
1:00 Fence building: Understanding How to Build and Use Temporary Fencing and High Tensile Fenc-ing – Jeremy McGill
2:30 Break and Travel to Teaching Facility
3:00 Growth of Grasses and Legumes with Response to Grazing- Dr. Ray Smith
3:45 Making Tall Fescue Work on Your Farm- Dr. Jimmy Henning
4:15 Economics of Grazing- Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
5:00 Discussion
5:30 Adjourn for the day
Supper on your own
Wednesday April 24, 2018
7:30 Refreshments
8:00 Forage Species for a Comprehensive Grazing System- Dr. Chris Teutsch
8:45 General Management Considerations for Grazing Livestock- Dr. Donna Amaral-Phillips
9:15 Using KY GRAZE to plan your Grazing Program - Adam Jones
10:00 Break
10:30 Fundamentals of Laying out a Grazing System - Kevin Laurent
11:00 Case Study: Design an on Farm Grazing System (Group Project)
11:45 Case Study Presentations
12:30 Lunch
1:15 How I made grazing work on the farm- Producer Speaker
1:45 Rejuvenating Run down Pastures - Dr. Chris Teutsch
2:30 Evaluation- All Participants
2:45 Break & Travel to Field Demo Area
3:10 Field Exercise. Observe grazed paddocks and hear reports of each group. Tour demonstration plots showing warm and cool season annual to extend the grazing season, renovation options and the effects of rotational grazing.
5:00 Adjourn
*All times are Central Time
Emphasis on ruminants – beef, dairy, sheep, & goats
In Person Location: Fayette County Extension Office
1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY 40511
859-257-5582
Industrial Hemp Meeting
2018 Farm Bill Update
2019 Hemp Production Considerations
Hemp Economics
Presented by: Tom Keene, Agronomy Specialist
April 2, 2019 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Madison County Extension Office
230 Duncannon Lane Richmond, KY 40475
859-623-4072
Mercer County Extension Office
1007 Lexington Road Harrodsburg, KY 40330
859-734-4378
Satellite Locations (same date & time):
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 8:30 am-5pm CDT
Novel Tall Fescue Renovation Workshop
Princeton, KY
Toxic tall fescue reduces livestock weight gains and lowers reproductive performance. This one day workshop will give you the tools and information needed to remove toxic tall fescue and replace it with novel tall fescue varieties. Speakers include local producers, company representatives and researchers from across the country.
Topics Include: Fescue Toxicosis: Symptoms and
Causes Economics Establishment and First Year
Management Seed Testing Long-Term Pasture Management Company Products Incentives Producer Panel
Register at www.2019UKYNovelTallFescue.eventbrite.com Before March 8—$60/person | After March 8—$75/person
Includes lunch, refreshments & proceedings Central Presbyterian Church, 206 W. Main St. Princeton, KY 42445
Alliance Partners and Collaborators: AgResearch USA Agrinostics Barenbrug USA Clemson University DLF Pickseed Corteva Agriscience Forage and Grassland
Foundation Kentucky Forage and
Grassland Council
MFGC/GLCI Mountain View Seeds Missouri Extension Noble Research Institute,
LLC North Carolina State Pennington Seed University of Georgia University of Kentucky USDA NRCS Virginia Tech
Photo Credit: Dr. Jimmy Henning, University of Kentucky
Organized by the Alliance for Grassland Renewal
Agenda (All times are CDT)
8:30 am Registration
9:00 Welcome, Dr. Ray Smith
9:10 Tall Fescue Toxicosis: Symptoms and Causes Dr. Craig Roberts - University of Missouri
9:35 Profitable Animal Production Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler - University of Kentucky
10:00 Break and Demo: Endophytes Under Microscope Dr. Carolyn Young - Noble Research Institute
10:20 Establishment & First Year Management Dr. John Andrae - Clemson University
11:00 Management: Novels and Toxic Paddocks Dr. Ray Smith - University of Kentucky
12:00 Seed Quality and Endophyte Testing Nick Hill - Agrinostics & Chris Agee - Pennington Seed
12:15 Lunch and Microscope Demo
1:00 Calibrating a Seed Drill Dr. Chris Teutsch - University of Kentucky
1:45 Tour Plots at UK Research and Education Center Gene Olson & Dr. Ray Smith- University of Kentucky
3:00 Break and Microscope Demo
3:15 Company Product Highlights: Peter Ballerstedt - Barenbrug USA Jerome Magnuson - DLF Mark Thomas - Mountain View Seed Chris Agee - Pennington Seed
4:00 Cost-Share Incentive Programs Adam Jones - USDA NRCS
4:15 Producer Panel: On-Farm Success with Novel Tall Fescue Jesse Ramer and Kevin Laurent
5:00 ADJOURN
11:40 Producer Economics Darrel Franson - Producer
Photo: Noble Research Institute
Novel Tall Fescue Renovation Workshop
CCA credits have been requested
Fayette County Cooperative Extension Agriculture Newsletter
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID
LEXINGTON KY PERMIT 112
Nick Carter
County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources
Fayette County Extension Service
1140 Harry Sykes Way
Lexington, KY 40504-1383
(859) 257-5582
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm - Monday-Friday
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization
with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education
information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without
regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the bases of race, color,
ethnic origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or
physical or mental disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI and Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act and other related matter should be directed to Equal Opportunity Office,
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Room S-105,
Agriculture Science Building, North Lexington, Kentucky 40546.
Fayette County Cooperative Extension 1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY 40504-1383 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED