By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
As Carter County farmers begin 2024, the local Extension Offices are brimming with exciting opportunities to boost their operations and enhance their profitability. From cutting-edge technologies to tried-and-true practices, there’s something for everyone in the new year’s calendar.
For Livestock Producers:
Master Cattleman is back. The new program includes six three-hour sessions that will cover marketing, nutrition, reproduction and record keeping, genetics, facilities and winter feeding, and animal health. Participants will also need a current Beef Quality & Care Assurance number and to attend a forage session to complete the program. Upon completion, participants will receive a farm gate sign. The registration fee is $60 per individual/couple and is due to your local Extension Office by January 25th. All sessions will include a meal and be held at the Expo Building at the Boyd County Fairgrounds. The first session will be on February 8th.
The Beef Quality & Care Assurance (BQCA) Program’s mission is to maximize consumer confidence in and acceptance of beef by focusing the producer’s attention to daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness and quality of beef and beef products through the use of science, research and education initiatives. BQCA training is required for cattle reimbursement in the large animal CAIP investment area but the training is open to all producers. Cost is $5 and farm gate signs are an additional $5. Trainings will be offered on Monday, February 12th from 6:00–7:45 PM and Wednesday, March 6th from 1:30-3:15 PM at the Carter County Extension Office and online at kybeefnetwork.com. Preregistration is required.
The UK beef specialists are continuing their online beef webinars on the second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 PM. The January 9th session will be on “Prebreeding Vaccination Considerations” while the February 13th session will discuss “What’s the Cost of a Cheap Mineral?”. Contact the Extension Office to receive the link and password to watch the sessions at home via zoom.
Small Ruminant Quality Assurance is knowing that as a producer, you have used the best management practices possible in your operation. This includes using proper medications and anthelmintics to assure safe, wholesome products for public consumption, as well as providing your animals with the healthiest and safest environment in which to thrive. SRQA training is required for sheep and goat reimbursement in the small animal CAIP investment area, however the training is open to all producers. Cost is $5. Trainings will be offered at the Carter County Extension Office on Thursday, January 18th from 6:00–7:45 PM, Wednesday, March 27th from 1:30-3:15 PM, and online at www.kysheepandgoat.org/srqa. Preregistration required.
The Northeast Area Livestock Association is the local chapter of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. All local livestock producers are eligible to join though as many of the topics discussed at meetings pertain to all livestock producers. The January 23
rd meeting will focus on understanding hay quality analysis. Topics for the additional meetings on February 26th, March 26th, and April 23rd will be determined in the future. All meetings begin at 6:00 PM at the Carter County Extension Office and include a meal.
Strategies To Reduce Fertilizer Use On Eastern Ky Cattle Farms will be the topic of discussion on February 22nd at 5:30 PM. Preregistration is required for this meeting that will take place at the Morehead State University Farm Classroom.
The Little Sandy Beekeepers Association meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Carter County Extension Office. Their next meeting will be on February 6th.
For Farmer’s Market Vendors:
A Regional Farmer’s Market Meeting will be held at the Morehead State University Farm Classroom on February 8th at 6:00 PM. Speakers will include Dr. Shawn Wright, UK Horticulture Specialist, and Heather Graham, East KY Value Chain Coordinator for The Food Connection.
For All Farmers:
A No-Till Drill Clinic will be held on January 30th at 6:00 PM at the Boyd County Fairground Expo Building. Seeding tips and tricks for pasture and hayfield renovation will be discussed as well as calibration demonstrations for a variety of seeders and drills that will be on display. Equipment checkout procedures for Carter and surrounding counties will also be discussed.
Private Pesticide Applicator Training is required for those wishing to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. Trainings will be held on Thursday, February 1st from 1:00-4:00 PM and on Thursday, March 14th from 5:30-8:30 PM.
Remember, this is just a glimpse into the treasure trove of research-based opportunities available through the Extension Office. By actively participating in these events farmers can gain valuable knowledge, adopt innovative practices, and connect with resources that will propel their operations towards success in the new year.
So, head down to your local Extension Office, join the vibrant community of farmers, and let’s make 2024 a year of abundance and progress for Carter County agriculture! To register for upcoming programs, contact the Carter County Extension Office at 474-6686.
Don’t forget to stay tuned for updates and event registrations on the Extension Office website at https://carter.ca.uky.edu/ and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CarterCoKYAg. The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to 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 expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
