Breckinridge County AG Newsletter

Cooperative Extension Service

Breckinridge County 1377 S. Hwy 261 Hardinsburg, KY 40143-6806 (270) 756-2182 Fax: (270) 756-9016 www.ca.uky.edu/ces

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page

Agent’s Corner 1

Why Forage Seedings Fail 2

Managing Diseases of Alfalfa 2

Third Thursday Program at KSU 3

UK Proposes Expansion at Prince-

ton Research Center 3

Country Ham Recipe 3

Curing Country Hams 4

Early Bird Grain Crop Meeting 5

Crib & Bin Capacity Formula 5

Adult Health Bulletin 6-7

Important Notice– Bred Heifer Sale 8

BCCA Annual Meeting 8

Cattle on Feed Report 8

Breck Co Recycling Program 8

On-Farm Disposal of Animal Mor-

talities 9

KY Heartland Bred Heifer Sale 10-

11

Office & Holiday Closings 12

Upcoming Area Events 12

Dates to Remember 12

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Agents Corner:

I caught the title of a fellow agents newsletter that read ‘Its Hay Time’.

Of course, I thought it was strange that he had not put out a newsletter

for months, but in further reading he was calling this month, Hay Time.

I have to agree with him, now is hay time. It’s the time that everyone in

the county takes their hay out into the fields and hope the cows, first,

will eat it and second, they will gain or keep their weight.

I have had a few farmers to ask their feed person, ‘let’s mix a feed ra-

tion this year that will meet my calves’ needs’. Believe it or not, there

are calves being fed this winter maybe due to the fact that they can’t sell

two calf crops in one year; or it could be they like to feed calves, or it

might be because the calves were smaller this year due to the horrible

winter weather. In any case, a correct feed ration is only a ‘hay test’

away.

If you are interested in running a hay test, stop by our office. I have

purchased new hay testing probes and I really think you will like them.

We can send the hay sample off for you but you will have to pay for the

test. Then all we have to do is run it through our computer program and

it will tell what you need to be feeding.

I have run into more bad feed rations than good ones, because the ma-

jority of the farm store customers walk in and say ‘give me some feed

for my calves and/or cows’. Nothing was said about: what size are the

animals, are the cows open or bred and how many months, how much

do you want them to gain, are they in mud, do they have access to pas-

ture or are they on a dry lot, are you providing a good mineral, are you

going to full feed or hand feed two (2) times a day? It may seem time

consuming for you to answer all of those questions, but it’s necessary to

give you a quality feed product. Feedstuffs are much lower than two

(2) years ago, so take advantage of it and feed calves and/or cows with

the most appropriate feed.

Sincerely,

Carol M. Hinton

County Extension Agent

For Agricultural/Natural Resources

Breckinridge County

2

Why Forage Seedings Fail

1. Live seed does not germinate because:

A. Not enough air: This occurs because seed were sown too deeply or in wet soils.

B. Not enough moisture

2.Seedlings die immediately after germination because:

A. Drying: Seed placed in loose surface soil may germinate after a light rain, then dry out before develop-

ing sufficient roots for establishment.

B. Freezing: Cool season forage seed are sensitive to freezing as young root breaks the seed coat; tempera-

tures below 26 degrees Fahrenheit are lethal. Soil coverage reduces the likelihood of injury, and once

rooted, seedlings can withstand much lower temperatures.

C. Too shallow: Soil cover protects against both drying and freezing; without it, seed establish only when

soil surface remains moist for extended periods.

D. Too deep: Most wasted seed probably occur this way.

E. Crusted soil surface: This can prevent emergence, especially when seed are sown deeply on fine textured

soils.

F. Toxicity: Seed in direct contact with banded fertilizer, improper use of herbicide carryover, and autotoxi-

city of alfalfa can damage seed and young alfalfa seedlings.

3.Seedlings die after establishment because: A. Undesirable pH: Lime should be applied according to soil test to provide a desirable pH. If needed.

B. Low fertility: A soil test should be used to ensure adequate phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients.

These should be added pre-planting.

C. Inadequate Legume inoculation

D. Poor drainage: Water accumulation on the surface or in the soil profile can limit growth

E. Drought: This is a common reason.

F. Seedling vigor: Some forages and crops can compete with seedlings for nutrients, water, and light.

G. Insects and pests

H. Winterkill: Seeding too late in the fall or seeding poorly adapted cultivars can cause this.

Adapted from Vough, L.R., A.M. Decker, and T.H. Taylor. 1995. Forage establishment and renovation. P. 42 in Barnes, Mil-

ler and Nelson, editors. Forages, fifth edition, Iowa State University Press, Ames

For more information or assistance call

Hobdy, Dye and Read, Inc. 270-756-2555 or Carol Hinton at (270)-617-3417

Managing Diseases of Alfalfa

Alfalfa can be a vigorous and productive forage crop for Kentucky farmers. Like all farm crops, however, al-

falfa is subject to infectious diseases that can limit forage production. Alfalfa diseases can cause reduced for-

age yield, reduced forage quality, and decreased stand persistence. Managing these diseases is an important

part of economical alfalfa production.

Managing Diseases of Alfalfa (PPFS-AG-F-09) is available online or a copy can be obtained from the Exten-

sion Office.

The fact sheet covers the symptoms and management of alfalfa diseases common to Kentucky, including seed-

ling diseases, leaf spot/blights, root rots, wilts, and crown rots. A listing of several additional University of

Kentucky publications, which should prove useful for alfalfa producers, is also included.

For additional publications on crop diseases, visit the UK Plant Pathology Extension Publications webpage.

3

Third Thursday Program held at Kentucky State University

Below is the link to the recordings from the Third Thursday Thing program held on October 15, 2015. I know

there are a number of producers that are not able to make the meetings. Each presentation is separate so they

can be looked at individually.

http://kysu.edu/academics/cafsss/research-extension/cooperative-extension/third-Thursday-thing/

UK Officials Propose $16 Million Dollar Expansion at Princeton Research Center Source: WKMS

University of Kentucky Officials are looking to spend $16-million to expand a Caldwell County research

center to become the Kentucky Grains Center of Excellence.

“Kentucky has a limited crop rotation of corn, wheat and soy” said UK weed specialist Jim Martin, who

works at the center.

“To try and enhance our education and research at the center we’ve got to keep pace with what’s going on in

agriculture and this is one of our chances where we feel like we can have an impact, ” Martin said.

The proposal is in the beginning stages. UK Officials presented to a group of legislators last week at the

Hopkinsville road facility.

“The legislators may love their ideas, but may not be able to come up with the funds.” Martin said.

With the funding the proposal said the facility would be able to “feed more people, protect the environment

and expand the state’s economy."

Martin says the research at the Princeton facility could also help farmers learn about diversifying their op-

tions to include canola and other sustainable crops to increase grower’s competitive advantage. UK officials

are early in the planning process for the 16-million dollar expansion.

Country Ham Recipe

I have been asked many times to bring country ham to events, and I am always willing to do so. I don’t have a

great secret to my ham cooking, but I thought I would share it with you as it is so easy for you to do as well. My

dad cooked the hams in the house while we were all asleep, so we woke up hungry for country ham. Remember, I

have a house full of kids and do not like the idea of a large pot boiling on the stove, I see that as a huge danger to

us.

1. Four (4) days in advance of needing the ham.

Take the ham out of the wrapper and wash it off.

Find a cooler that has a lid and a spout to release the water. Place the ham in the cooler; cover with cold water

and one cup of vinegar. Every eight (8) hours drain the water; you can keep this on the porch, if you close the

lid, so that you can remove the water easier.

2. Three (3) days is for a very salty home cured ham, two (2) days is long enough for a store bought ham to be

soaked.

3. Then after finished soaking, with the ham hide side up (do not remove the hide this maintains the moisture in

the ham), take the ham and put on a broiler pan with about ½ cup water in the pan, just enough to keep the pan

from smoking up the house. The ham needs to be cooked at 275 degrees for 20 minutes per pound. Most

hams are 15 pounds which will be 300 minutes or 5 hours.

4. I have started using my large electric roaster to cook my hams instead of the oven, it reduces the amount of

smoke in the house. Still put in 1/2 cup water in the bottom of the roaster.

5. Once the ham hock bone is loose, then turn the ham off and let it cool. Remove the hide when the ham reaches

room temp, then wrap in foil to cool the rest of the time. We slice it very thin and start eating it immediately.

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5

Early Bird Grain Crop Meeting

Grain crop producers can get a jump on planning for next year’s growing season by attending one of the

early bird meetings organized by specialists in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and

Environment.

Specialists will review challenges and issues of the 2015 growing season and offer suggestions for better

management in 2016.

A meeting is scheduled Dec. 7 at the Hardin County Extension office in Elizabethtown. Meeting will

begin at 8 a.m. eastern time.

Topics this year include maximizing wheat and soybean yields in double-crop systems, chemicals and bio-

logicals for corn and soybean foliage, seed and soil, a possible “game changer” for controlling problem pig-

weeds and a crop outlook and risk management for 2016. The meeting concludes at noon with lunch provided

by the Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Soybean Board and the Kentucky Small Grain Growers

Association.

Certified Crop Advisers can receive three continuing education units in the following categories: 0.5 in

integrated pest management, 2.5 in crop management, and one in professional development. Pesticide applica-

tors can receive one specific hour credit in category 1a.

For more information contact the following UK Cooperative Extension agent for agriculture and natural

resources: Matt Adams in Hardin County, 270-765-4121.

Formula For Figuring Capacity of Grain Cribs or Bins

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IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Kentucky Heartland Bred Heifer Sale-

FALL SALE -December 4th

December 4th SALE - - CANCELLED

Stop by one of the following recycling centers near you:

Breckinridge County High School

Cloverport Fire Department

Auggie Doggie’s, Garfield

St. Romuald Gym, Hardinsburg

McQuady Firehouse

Breckinridge County Extension Office

Rough River Corp of Engineers Office

McDaniels Community Center

Frederick Fraize High School, Cloverport

Hardinsburg Elementary School

Union Star

All recycling sites are

accessible 24 hours a

day, seven days a week.

Breckinridge County Cattleman’s Association Annual Meeting

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Registration 5:30 p.m. (ct)

Breckinridge County Extension Community Building

Cattle on Feed (COF) Report

The November 20, 2015 Cattle on Feed report is considered neutral.

Feedlot placements during October totaled 2.281 million head, down 3.7% from a year ago.

Cattle marketed were 1.63 million head, down 3.3%. Cattle on Feed as of November 1 totaled

10.794 million, 2.1% above a year ago.

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On-Farm Disposal of Animal Mortalities—ID 167 Sources: UK publications ID 167 and ENRI-139 Dead Animal Disposal

Well, that is just a better way of saying ‘Dead Animal Disposal’.

Winter time is biggest risk for accumulating dead animals. With winter time upon us, I believe a dead animal

plan should be in place for each farm. After the winter of 2015, we all know what we should have done, so

why don’t you take the time to evaluate the resources needed for disposing of dead animals.

In recent years, I have been to numerous dead animal composting sites across the state. This approved practice

has been a life saver for numerous small-medium size livestock operations. Composting can provide animal

producers with a convenient method of disposal.

Dead animals should be disposed of within 48 hours of death and in accordance with Kentucky Agriculture

Water Quality Act Livestock BMP #15. I think the best two approved methods for the disposal of animal car-

casses in Breckinridge County include:

1. Burying

2. Composting according to 302 KAR 20:052 or KRS Chapter 224;

Burial

Burial of animal carcasses is allowed, but it can be expensive. According to Kentucky law (KRS 257.160), a

carcass should be buried four (4) feet deep with its body cavity vented (opened), covered with at least two (2)

inches of quicklime and back-filled with at least three (3) feet of soil. The burial site should be stable and at

least 100 feet from a stream, sinkhole, well, spring, public highway, or residence. The burial site should not be

in a floodplain or in an area with a high water table.

Kentucky law requires that a buried animal be covered with at least two (2) inches of quicklime. The purpose

of applying quicklime is to discourage scavenging by predators, prevent odors, inhibit earthworms from bring-

ing material to the soil surface and destroy harmful bacteria. Quicklime raises the pH, making the local envi-

ronment harsh for organisms to survive. When exposed to moisture, quicklime goes through a chemical pro-

cess that generates heat, which also destroys microorganisms. As quicklime may destroy the harmful bacteria

and pathogens that potentially lead to death, it also creates an inhospitable environment for beneficial bacteria

to break down the carcass, thus slowing decomposition.

Location is important when you consider burying an animal carcass. Although deep burial may place the car-

cass out of sight, many factors will affect the decomposition rate of the animal. These factors include soil tem-

perature, rainfall, soil texture, soil pH, and moisture. Keep in mind that a carcass may still be present many

years after burial. In addition, the location of water resources and consideration of soil properties (depth to

bedrock, permeability, slope, etc.) are important in preventing contamination of water resources.

Research has shown that mature cattle will release approximately 160 liters of liquid in the first two months of

decomposition. This liquid, or leachate, can move into water resources, so be sure to select a burial site away

from streams, sinkholes, and wells. If burial is the method you choose for disposal, remember to locate any

buried utility lines prior to digging to prevent damage.

Composting

Composting can provide animal producers with a convenient method for disposing of animal mortalities, while

providing a valuable soil amendment when land applications are made. The compost material can also be

stored and reused to decompose other mortalities. Reusing the material actually speeds up the decomposition

process by providing beneficial bacteria. These bacteria also prevent the release of odors, which may attract

flies, vermin, and buzzards.

Kentucky law (KRS 257.160(1)(f)) allows disposal of animal carcasses by composting if the disposal is per-

formed according to the Agricultural Board’s administrative regulations (302 KAR). A permit and registration

with the State Veterinarian is no longer required for agricultural operations to compost animal mortalities in

Kentucky if the composting operation is not being used for a commercial purpose.

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The Cooperative Extension Service prohibits discrimination in its programs and employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, disabil-

ity, or national origin.

To file a complaint of discrimination, contact Tim West, UK College of Agriculture, 859-257-3879; Terry Allen or Patty Bender, UK Office of

Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity, 859-257-8927; or the USDA, Director Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W Whitten Bldg., 14th & Inde-

pendence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 (202-720-5964). 12

Dates to Remember:

November 26-27, 2015– Extension Office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

December 25, 2015 thru January 1, 2016—Extension Office closed for the Holidays

Upcoming Area Events:

If you are interested in any these events, call the Extension Office at 270-756-2182

for more information.

December 1, 2015– UK Forestry Webinar, Grayson County Extension Service, 6 p.m. (ct)

December 8, 2015—Soil Health Workshop—9 a.m. , Daviess County Extension Office, Owensboro, KY

January 4-5, 2016—KY Fruit & Vegetable Conference—Embassy Suites Hotel, Lexington, KY

January 15 & 16, 2016—KY Cattlemen’s Annual Convention—Owensboro Convention Center

January 15, 2016—KY Commodity Conference—Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green, KY

January 22, 2016– Risk Management Workshop for Grain Crops—Daviess County Extension Office

January 25-26, 2016—Heart of America Grazing Conference, Lexington, KY

January 27, 2016—Ag Expo—Owensboro Convention Center—Owensboro, KY

February 6, 2016—KY Small Ruminant Grazing Conference– Boyd County Fairgrounds, Catlettsburg, KY

Special Reminders: Office and Holiday Closings

Thanksgiving Day The Breckinridge County Extension Office will be closed on Thursday,

November 26, 2015 and Friday, November 27, 2015 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Office will reopen at regular hours on Monday, November 30, 2015.

The Breckinridge County Extension Office will be closed on Wednesday,

December 09, 2015 for Professional Development Day.

The December Holiday closing for the Breckinridge County Extension Office will

be from Friday, December 25, 2015 thru Friday, January 1, 2016.

The office will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016 at regular hours.