Tour topics include restoring pasture productivity, integrated weed management, watering systems, summer annuals, crabgrass as forage, and much more.  The Daugherty’s farm is not perfect and is in various stages of renovation. Participants will see improvements that have been made, improvements that are being implemented, and learn about future plans. The tour will feature frank and open discussions on various approaches to restoring the productivity of neglected farms. Discussion and questions will be highly encouraged!  Register online at: https://wkyforagefieldday.eventbrite.com

When Bub and Lakayah Daugherty purchased D&D Farm in 2013, they set a goal to raise cattle and be profitable. Bub wanted to break the mold and raise cattle differently than the way most in the area had been doing for several generations. Technology and ideas on how to graze cattle have changed and evolved over the years, but most farmers in the area have not adopted the new ideas. The farm they bought was no different. For two decades, the farm had been grazed with little or no management with the sole goal of keeping it from reverting back to forest. The largest initial struggle that the Daugherty’s faced was having enough forage and water during the summer months. When the farm was purchased, the only water supply was from a small stream and two small ponds, all of which would be dry by the summer months. They knew to be profitable and have quality calves to sell each year, the farm would need to implement better grazing techniques and have a dependable supply of clean and fresh water in the pastures.

After many nights of online research and YouTube videos, the Daugherty's decided to take the first steps to restore their rundown farm. Bub and Lakayah began working with the local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in the Fall of 2016 to develop a farm plan that would allow them to improve grazing management. The plan included automatic water drinkers, temporary electric fence, planting clover/orchardgrass pastures, and returning crop land to pasture. In the spring of 2017, Bub and Lakayah attended the Kentucky Grazing School and many of the topics discussed aligned with Bub’s vision of grazing 365 days per year. By partnering with the NRCS, the couple has been able to make the needed improvements, moving them toward their goal of year around grazing.