Start Date
2-26-1987 3:15 PM
Description
Returns on many Kentucky farms are declining due to reduced tobacco and feedgrain income. This fact, coupled with traditionally low (or negative) returns from typical cow/calf beef enterprises, has been associated with interest in alternative crop and livestock production systems. Alfalfa produced as a cash crop is increasing and many farmers are realizing substantial returns. In the Central Kentucky Area, many farmers have been stimulated to produce alfalfa since demand for high quality hay by horse farms has been strong. As interest in alfalfa is renewed, other farms have begun to introduce intensive or controlled grazing techniques in order to increase pounds of beef produced per acre. Controlled grazing, when properly managed, has been shown to substantially increase beef returns. Many producers have now become interested in producing a high value crop which will have marketing alternatives. Alfalfa grazing may provide a profitable option for farmers seeking alternative uses for their land resource.
Included in
Evaluating Alfalfa Grazing — Dollars and Cents
Returns on many Kentucky farms are declining due to reduced tobacco and feedgrain income. This fact, coupled with traditionally low (or negative) returns from typical cow/calf beef enterprises, has been associated with interest in alternative crop and livestock production systems. Alfalfa produced as a cash crop is increasing and many farmers are realizing substantial returns. In the Central Kentucky Area, many farmers have been stimulated to produce alfalfa since demand for high quality hay by horse farms has been strong. As interest in alfalfa is renewed, other farms have begun to introduce intensive or controlled grazing techniques in order to increase pounds of beef produced per acre. Controlled grazing, when properly managed, has been shown to substantially increase beef returns. Many producers have now become interested in producing a high value crop which will have marketing alternatives. Alfalfa grazing may provide a profitable option for farmers seeking alternative uses for their land resource.