Forages and Weed Management
Forages
Species and Establishment
Forage Species
To properly manage and understand a forage system—whether it is used for hay, pasture, wildlife, conservation, or some combination of uses—it is important to be able to identify the species present and understand their establishment, management, and productivity. The Forage Species section of Forage Extension can aid in your understanding.
Soil and Fertility
Achieving top production from your pastures requires a working knowledge of soils and soil fertility. The Soils and Fertility page provide by the Forage Extension specialist at UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment provides you with the information you need to maximize your pasture and forage production.
Forage Variety Trails
Selecting the the most suitable forage variety for your soil and production needs is important to get the most out of your land and your financial investment. Read about all the forage variety trial results.
Establishment of Forages
You have a lot in invested in input to establish your pasture make sure you start our correctly by matching your plants to your soil, placing seeds at the correct depth, fertilizing correctly, and having the proper calibration in your sprayer. Consult the Establishment of forages page provide by the Forage Extension Team to make sure you get you forages off to the right start.
Types of Forages and Storages
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is the most important cool-season forage grass in Kentucky, occupying approximately 5.5 million acres in the state. It is a versatile plant used for animal feed, lawns and turf, and for conservation purposes in grass waterways, rights-of-way, etc.. Tall fescue is a deep-rooted, long-lived bunchgrass with short rhizomes (underground stems). It is widely adapted and grows well on the state’s many and varied soil types. Tall fescue produces a good sod that will support livestock during wet and rainy conditions. Learn more on how to grow and manage tall fescue for finishing cattle in pasture in this article.
Alfalfa
A collection of resources related to alfalfa establishment, management and production can be discovered at All Things Alfalfa.
Hay and Storage
Discover all you need to know about hay production and storage as well as publications and resources relating to the production, storage and utilization of hay.
Forage Videos
Weed Management
Raising profitable pastures is often an overlooked goal of cattle production. One method to ensure we have productive forage is the control of unwanted weeds, whether they are inhibiting desirable forage growth, or pose as a health threat to the livestock we are producing. Many industry services are available to assist with planning for pest control. Application of pest control is often limited to yourself, or your crop input supplier, dependent upon your situation.
In order to apply pesticides to your land/livestock, or purchase Restricted Use pesticides, a KY Private Pesticide Applicator license must be obtained. These licenses are administered through your local county Cooperative Extension Service within Kentucky. For more information on obtaining your KY Private Pesticide Applicator license and pesticide safety, visit:
UK Pesticide Safety Education - http://entomology.ca.uky.edu/uk-pesticide-safety-education-program-psep
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture also administers several programs to aid in pasture/hayfield weed control and disposal of unwanted pesticides:
KDA Nuisance Weed Spraying Program, Ag Chemical Collections Program, Rinse & Return Recycling Program - https://www.kyagr.com/consumer/pest-and-recycling.html
Other resources that are available to assist with pesticides and weed management:
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Pesticide Label Database - http://www.cdms.net/Label-Database/Advanced-Search
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Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative - http://pesticideresources.org/
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Sprayer Nozzles: Selection & Calibration - http://entomology.ca.uky.edu/files/nozzles.pdf
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USDA Introduced, Invasive, & Noxious Plants - https://plants.usda.gov/java/noxiousDriver
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UK pubs - https://weedscience.ca.uky.edu/forages
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AGR-172 Weed Management in Grass Pastures, Hayfields, and Other Farmstead Sites
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ID-158 Managing Steep Terrain for Livestock Forage Production
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AGR-219 Practicing Good Stewardship When Applying Herbicides for Pasture Weed Control
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AGR-148 Weed Control Strategies for Alfalfa and Other Forage Legume Crops
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UK pubs – Forage Related Livestock Disorders
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Weed Management - https://forages.ca.uky.edu/WEEDS
Broadleaf Weeds of Kentucky pastures
Discover the most common weeds found in pastures and how to treat and manage them to maximize your pasture finishing program.
Insect Management
Insect Management Resources
Publications and resources for insect management in hay and grazing lands.
