The following Agriculture & Natural Resources articles printed in the 2021 Summer edition of the Oldham County Extension Newsletter.
Summer Ag News
- Spring Oats Provide Benefits For Local Producers
- Beef Quality & Care Assurance Certification: In-Person Training!
- Cost-Share Programs – What You Need To Know
- Dead Livestock Removal Program
Spring Oats Provide Hay Crop And Other Benefits For Local Producers
Bill and Tim Wakefield run a cow-calf operation here in Oldham County. They piqued my curiosity when they mentioned using spring oats for hay. Several producers here try different forages to fit different management needs. In their case, spring oats bridge a hay gap and also help reduce pest problems for soybeans that follow this hay crop.
Tim commented that they typically drill spring oats in late February to early March in fields that were in corn the previous season. In cutting and baling the oats, they also remove corn stalk residue from the previous season. They report that the cows like this mixture. Yields usually range from 2.5 – 3 tons per acre.
An added benefit of this practice is that removal of corn residue takes away potential habitat for slugs. Slugs can be quite damaging to soybean plantings, and the Wakefields have seen little to no slug damage following corn – spring oat rotations.
A potential drawback is that the oats and corn stalks can be higher on the moisture side. Tim commented that if you store the hay outside, you should be prepared to feed it early before spoilage occurs. Producers should monitor moisture and manage accordingly when using forages with larger stems for hay. Crimping can be helpful. The Kentucky Forages page houses quite a bit of information that may be helpful as well. Check it out at forages.ca.uky.edu.
Beef Quality & Care Assurance Certification: In-Person Training!
Beef Quality & Care Assurance (BQCA) Certification training is available in-person this summer at both the Oldham County Extension (207 Parker Drive in La Grange) and Trimble County Extension (43 High Country Lane in Bedford) offices.
- August 9 at 9:00 a.m. in Trimble
- August 10 at 9:00 a.m. in Oldham
- August 10 at 6:00 p.m. in Oldham
Not only does this training provide helpful information for safety and best care in animal handling, it is also a requirement for those selling calves in special sales like the CPH-45 program. Additionally, BQCA Certification is required for those awarded CAIP cost-share for a Large Animal/Cattle project.
Space is limited, and registration guarantees you a seat for one of these BQCA trainings. Contact the Extension office at (502) 222-9453 or traci.missun@uky.edu to register.
Cost-Share Programs – What You Need To Know
CAIP Producer and YAIP Youth Agriculture Cost-Share applications are anticipated to be available by early June. Please contact the office for more information on availability and deadlines. View a SAMPLE application online. Viewing this now will help you understand information you need to gather ahead of time, plus other cost-share qualifications, including the education requirement.
These cost-share programs are offered through the Oldham County Ag Development Council in partnership with the Kentucky Office of Ag Policy. A great deal of information is available online, and if you have questions, please ask.
CAIP cost-share applicants must have an Ag Water Quality Plan completed and filed with their local Conservation District in order to be eligible for cost-share. Visit www.uky.edu/bae/awqp to get information on creating an Ag Water Quality Plan. It can be completed online, you can print out the workbook and fill it out by hand, or request a copy from our office. The plan focuses on Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to protect our soil and water resources – let us know if you need help with completing your plan.
Dead Livestock Removal Program
The Oldham County Dead Animal Removal service assists Oldham County residents in having deceased livestock removed from their property and disposed of properly. The cost for this service is $150.00 per carcass, of which the resident only pays $75.00. The county pays the balance.
To use this service one must call Oldham County Dispatch at (502) 222-0111 within 24 hours of the animal’s death. Dispatch will contact Blueline Outdoors, who will then contact the resident to schedule a pick-up. Blueline Outdoors will remove the carcass within 72 hours of notification. All calls must go through Dispatch to ensure that the residence is in Oldham County.
This service is for livestock only and does not pertain to household pets or wildlife, with the exception of deer and coyotes. The county pays 100% of the removal cost for deer and coyotes. Please direct questions to Oldham County Animal Control at (502) 222-7387.
Note: This program is partially funded by Oldham County Ag Development Council and Oldham County Conservation District to reduce the cost to residents.
Written by Polly Helton, Oldham County Animal Control Director, and Traci Missun, Oldham County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent.
Oldham County Cooperative Extension Blog 