By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
A vibrant community event, the annual Farm & Family Field Day, was held at Rayburn’s Blessed Acres last Tuesday night. Attendees enjoyed a variety of presentations, demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
Dr. Ray Smith, a UK Extension Forage Specialist, provided valuable insights on maximizing hay productivity, even in times of high fertilizer prices. Dr. Phil Prater, a retired Morehead State University DVM, shared essential information on small ruminant herd health and also offered a few tips for beef producers.
NRCS Conservationists Melodie Bush and Ben Marcum explained the funding options available through their office, while Rebecca Konopka emphasized the importance of clean, fresh water for livestock production. Rickayln and Rick explained how a spring on their farm feeds a concrete water tank.
East & West Carter FFA members played a crucial role in the event, assisting with parking, setup, cleanup, and preparing a delicious BBQ meal. They also learned about the benefits of receiving a hay nutrient analysis through the East KY Hay Contest and helped collect samples.
The Carter County Homemakers judged tasty entries in the annual dessert contest, and community members had the opportunity to visit with representatives from 15 local organizations and businesses.
The Farm & Family Field Day is a joint effort of the Carter County Cooperative Extension Service & Carter County Soil Conservation District and wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Soil Conservation Board, Ag Advancement Council, Extension Office staff, guest speakers, and community partners. A special thank you goes to Rick, Sherri, Rickayln, and Jeremy Rayburn for sharing their farm with the community.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
- The Grayson Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM until noon and on Thursdays from 2:00-6:00 PM. The market is located in the shed behind the Extension Office. The Olive Hill Farmer’s Market is located in the Save-a-Lot parking lot and is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 8:00 AM and Mondays at 3:00 PM until sell out each day. There will be a pop-up market on the first Tuesday of the month in the Friendship & Chapel House parking lot from 6:00-8:00 PM.
- Little Sandy Beekeepers – Tuesday, October 1st @ 6:30 PM
- Extension District Board – Tuesday, October 8th @ 10:00 AM
The deadline to request free hay analysis through the East KY Hay Contest is October 11th. Call 474-6686 to schedule you hay sampling.
