Start Date
10-30-2019 2:52 PM
Description
In 2015 the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee was awarded a USDA-NIFA grant that we refer to as the Southeast Organic Dairy Project. The goal of this project was to develop science-based recommendations to efficiently manage forages, herd health, and overall farm productivity on organic dairies in the Southeastern US. There are only about 40 organic dairies in Kentucky, but the over 35,000 beef cattle operations in the state will also benefit from this research. We are learning the best forage combinations for Kentucky and Tennessee soils and growing conditions. We are learning how to maximize forage yield, forage quality, and soil health and how efficient forage production and animal management can add to the bottom line. Although this project is limited to an organic management system, the principles of growing better forages for cattle are universal whether you farm organically or use commercial fertilizers and pesticides.
Included in
Applying Kentucky Dairy Forage Research for Beef Producers
In 2015 the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee was awarded a USDA-NIFA grant that we refer to as the Southeast Organic Dairy Project. The goal of this project was to develop science-based recommendations to efficiently manage forages, herd health, and overall farm productivity on organic dairies in the Southeastern US. There are only about 40 organic dairies in Kentucky, but the over 35,000 beef cattle operations in the state will also benefit from this research. We are learning the best forage combinations for Kentucky and Tennessee soils and growing conditions. We are learning how to maximize forage yield, forage quality, and soil health and how efficient forage production and animal management can add to the bottom line. Although this project is limited to an organic management system, the principles of growing better forages for cattle are universal whether you farm organically or use commercial fertilizers and pesticides.
Speaker's Bio
Dr. Ray Smith completed a Biology degree from Asbury College in 1983 and Agronomy/Plant Breeding MS and PhD from the University of Georgia in 1987 and 1991, respectively. Dr. Smith has been the Forage Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky since 2004 and was promoted to Extension Professor in 2010. He has an active extension and research program and is the lead faculty member for UK’s successful Horse Pasture Evaluation Program.