Life Sciences Commons^™

Marketing Kentucky Hay, J. Kenneth Evans

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

That more income is needed by Kentucky farmers is a well established and accepted fact. Although, the tobacco program appears to be yet viable, we have long needed to supplement the tobacco income with income from the remainder of the farm. I think this audience is also well aware of the potential· for producing hay in Kentucky, particularly alfalfa. Estimates in the University of Kentucky potential study indicate that we could have in this state two million acres of alfalfa with a projected potential income of a billion dollars a year generated for our farmers.

This potential income should not …

Optimum Utilization Of Alfalfa In Horses, Stephen G. Jackson

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

When considering forage utilization in horses one must consider principally two factors; 1) forage quality and 2) the relationship between voluntary intake of a forage and a particular class of horses nutrient needs.

Optimum Utilization Of Alfalfa In Sheep Rations, G. L.M. Chappell

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The unique qualities of alfalfa as a forage afford the progressive sheep producer many opportunities to develop efficient sheep feeding programs. As a grazed sward, as hay or silage, alfalfa can be utilized in a variety of ways. The following points should be considered in developing programs using alfalfa.

Maximizing Alfalfa Hay In Beef Feeding Programs, W. Roy Burris, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Beef cattle comprise the largest group of forage and hay users in Kentucky. Because of their ability to utilize large amounts of low quality roughage, they are sometimes relegated to that role exclusively. There are many instances in beef production when alfalfa hay can be utilized because of its high protein content. The value of alfalfa hay in a beef operation can be estimated by the protein and energy that it furnishes.

Maximizing Alfalfa In Dairy Feeding Programs, Dan O. Riddell

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa is an excellent feed for dairy cows. When used properly, alfalfa can help cut cost of production and increase level of production. However, like everything else, the feeding of alfalfa needs to be managed to maximize efficient production. There are three key steps involved in maximizing alfalfa in a dairy feeding program. These are:

1. harvest alfalfa at the proper stage of maturity
2. know what the alfalfa contains and feed accordingly
3. get the alfalfa to the cows that need it.

Hay Quality Evaluation, William C. Templeton Jr.

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

During the last few years there have been several developments related to hay quality evaluation and marketing. In this presentation I shall briefly review these and indicate some of the implications for producers, vendors, purchasers and users of alfalfa hay.

Reducing Hay Losses — From Standing Crop Through Storage, Michael Collins

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Alfalfa management for maximum economic productivity is quite complex. Many factors ranging from cultivar selection and establishment to storage and feeding must be considered. In some cases these factors, yield and quality of a particular cutting of forage for example, are negatively correlated. Following good establishment of an adapted cultivar, cutting management has important effects on forage yield, forage quality, stand persistence, weed encroachment and other important responses. Maturity stage at the time of cutting greatly affects quality. After cutting, hay curing, packaging and storage conditions also affect quality. Clearly, in order to achieve the optimum combination of yield and …

No-Till Alfalfa Establishment, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

The topic ''No-till Alfalfa" was discussed at the V Annual Alfalfa Conference this past February in Elizabethtown. At that conference, we reported results of demonstrations that had been conducted along with preliminary results of some of the research underway. In the presentation today, I would like to review some of the opportunities for no-till alfalfa and discuss some additional research results.

Herbicides For Alfalfa Weed Control, William W. Witt

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Numerous herbicides are available for controlling weeds in pure or mixed stands of alfalfa. In addition, these herbicides can be applied at different times and stages of alfalfa growth -from prior to planting to actively growing alfalfa to dormant applications during the winter. To be confident of achieving the desired weed control, it is important to apply alfalfa herbicides at the proper growth stage and rate.

The following tables contain information pertinent to proper utilization of the herbicides to obtain maximum weed control.

Foreword [1986], Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

This is the front matter of the proceedings.