AGR-1: Lime and Fertilizer Recommendations, 2025-2026

Edwin Ritchey, John Grove | July 25, 2025 (Revised)

The recommendations found in this publication are a result of a biennial review of soil fertility research and soil test data collected in Kentucky. The committee is made up of members of the Plant and Soil Science, Horticulture, and Agricultural Economics Departments. The co-chairs of the committee and editors of this publication are Drs. Edwin Ritchey and John Grove, Extension Soil Specialist and Research/Extension Soil Specialist, respectively.

ID-278: The Role of Phosphorus in Kentucky Agricultural Development: A Story of the Haves and the Have–Nots

John Ragland, Dennis Egli, Katsutoshi Mizuta, Stephen Greb, Jeffrey Levy | July 24, 2025 (New)

Central Kentucky soils frequently contain hundreds of pounds of plant-available phosphorus per acre, compared to five to seven pounds per acre for the soils of most counties in other parts of the state. This richness of the Central Kentucky soils is due to the unusually high phosphorus content of the parent material, known as the Lexington Limestone. This rock unit forms the bedrock in Central Kentucky above a geologic structure called the Cincinnati Arch, and it has made these Central Kentucky counties the “haves,” in regard to soils inherently rich in plant-available phosphorus.

PR-865: 2025 Kentucky Small Grains Variety Performance Trial

Bill Bruening, Dalton Mertz, Gene Olson, Samuel Revolinski, Phillip Shine, Dave Sanford | July 14, 2025 (New)

The objective of the Kentucky small grain variety performance trial is to evaluate varieties of wheat, oat, barley, triticale, and cereal rye that are commercially available or may soon be available to Kentucky farmers. New varieties continually are being developed by agricultural experiment stations and commercial firms. Annual evaluation of small grain varieties and selections provides farmers, seed producers, and other agricultural workers with current information to help them select the varieties best adapted to their locality and individual requirements.

AGR-283: Interpreting Baleage Fermentation Test Results

Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Michelle Arnold | June 6, 2025 (New)

Baleage is the wrapping of bales of wilted forage such that anaerobic fermentation occurs. Most commonly made with large round bales, larger rectangular bales may also be stored as baleage.

ID-281: 2024 Kentucky Organic Small Grains Survey

Lauren Brzozowski, Ayla Koehler, Yoko Kusunose | May 1, 2025 (New)

The number of organic farms and acreage doubled in Kentucky between 2016 and 2021. During that time, the number of farms grew from 100 to 207, and acreage increased from 10,255 to 20,467, according to the 2016 and 2021 USDA NASS Certified Organic Surveys. However, only 12 farms produced organic small grains, including wheat, rye, barley, and oats, in that same period. A survey by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension in 2007 reported that organic growers found growing wheat and oats organically to be “easy” or “easy to moderate” but did not identify specific areas for further research, Extension programs or education on grain crops. In this publication, we report results from a survey of current and prospective organic grain growers in Kentucky and the surrounding region to better understand the current challenges and opportunities for local organic small grain production for human food and animal feed or forage.

PR-864: Overview of Kentucky Corn Yield Contests, 2019–2024

Mohammad Shamim, Chad Lee | April 24, 2025 (New)

The Kentucky Corn Yield Contest is organized and administered by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. The Kentucky Corn Yield Contest aims to identify management practices that enhance corn yields across the state. It is heavily supported by the Kentucky Corn Growers Association and several agribusinesses.

PR-863: Overview of Kentucky Wheat Yield Contests, 2015–2024

Mohammad Shamim, Chad Lee | April 24, 2025 (New)

The Kentucky Wheat Yield Contest is organized and administered by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. It is heavily supported by the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association and several agribusinesses. Farmers are required to harvest a minimum of three (3) acres, all in Kentucky, from a continuously planted area with four straight sides. Reasonable variations are acceptable on the shape of the area harvested. Yields are harvested, weighed on certified scales, and corrected to 13.5% grain moisture to convert to bushels per acre. The County Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agent or designated representative is responsible for supervising and verifying the yield check and the agronomic data.

AGR-281: Improving Kentucky Horse Pastures

Chris Teutsch, Krista Lea, Ray Smith, Bob Coleman | February 13, 2025 (New)

For many horses, quality pasture can provide almost all nutrients needed for maintenance or light work for much of the year. Pasture reduces the cost of keeping horses while providing safe footing and minimizing impacts on the environment.

ID-221: Fescue Toxicosis in Cattle

Megan Romano, Michelle Arnold, Ray Smith, Krista Lea | February 13, 2025 (Minor Revision)

Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh., previously known scientifically as Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] is a cool-season, perennial grass (Figure 1). The Continental type, most notably the Kentucky-31 variety, is frequently infected with an endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala). An endophyte is a fungus that grows inside the grass, specifically within the intercellular spaces of the leaf sheaths, stems, and seeds, and is invisible to the naked eye. The plant and fungus have a mutually beneficial relationship, wherein the plant provides the fungus access to its nutrients and a means of asexual reproduction through infected seeds. In turn, the fungus produces compounds called ergopeptine alkaloids that increase the plant’s vigor by making the plant more pest- and drought-resistant and more tolerant of other adverse soil and environmental conditions. Although advantageous to the plant, ergopeptine alkaloids adversely affect the health and productivity of grazing livestock. Ergovaline is the most abundant (more than 90 percent) and most toxic ergopeptine alkaloid in endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue. The highest alkaloid concentrations are found within the seedheads and in the bottom few inches of the plant.

ID-163: Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality

David Ditsch, Josh McGrath, Lloyd Murdock, Edwin Ritchey, Frank Sikora | February 5, 2025 (Revised)

Soil acidity is one of the most important soil factors affecting crop growth and ultimately, yield and profitability. It is determined by measuring the soil pH, which is a measure of the amount of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. As soil acidity increases, the soil pH decreases. Soils tend to be naturally acidic in areas where rainfall is sufficient to cause substantial leaching of basic ions (such as calcium and magnesium), which are replaced by hydrogen ions. Most soils in Kentucky are naturally acidic because of our abundant rainfall.