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UTILIZING STOCKPILED FESCUE FOR STRAGTEGIC WINTER FEEDING

Applied Research

Vicki Shadrick
Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources
DIXON

Abstract

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\r\n      Strategic winter feeding is a method approach to winter feeding of the beef herd, matching forage resources to the production cycle of the beef cow.  Strategic winter feeding minimizes supplemental feeding of concentrates, maximizes grazing days, minimizes feeding waste areas at calving and maximizes more uniform nutrient recycling on pastures.  The objective of this project was to demonstrate the benefits of utilizing stockpiled fescue as a winter feed source for spring calving cows.  Focus was on the strategic use of stockpiled fescue and hay resources based on quality and quantity of each by matching these feedstuffs to the production cycle of the cow herd.  A case study on strategic winter grazing was conducted 2006-2010 in Western Kentucky with a group of 41 cows and calves on 71 acres of pasture.  Economic data gathered shows an average of $59.75 per head, per year savings over traditional winter feeding practices.  The study is ongoing; replicated on 2 more Western Kentucky farms in 2011-12 to gather further economic comparative data.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: Powell M.T., Payne T.C., Fourqurean J.D., Shadrick V., Stone J., Laurent K., Burdine K.
  1. M.T., P. Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 42071
  2. T.C., P. Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 42064
  3. J.D., F. Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 42211
  4. V., S. Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 42409
  5. J., S. Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 42240
  6. K., L. Extension Associate, Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 42445
  7. K., B. Extension Specialist, Agriculture Economics, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 40546