Numbered Publications: AEN
AEN-166: Off Grid Solar Systems: Understanding Components and Variables for Small Systems
Matt Adams, Daniel Carpenter, Morgan Hayes | Mar. 9, 2022 (New)
Off grid solar systems are often considered on farms and small acreages in locations where power is difficult or expensive to run. These locations typically do not have huge power requirements; the land owners just wish to have lights in a barn, a fence charger, or to run a small motor or power tool. Off grid solar systems provide an opportunity to have power without the expense of an electric service. Before purchasing an off grid solar system, it is important to have an idea of what electrical items the system will be used to operate, and to understand the components that make up the solar panel system (batteries, fuses, controllers, and inverters).
AEN-165: Improving Cow Paths
Steve Higgins | Dec. 17, 2021 (New)
The energy expended by a large animal traveling on a slope can be tremendous. To compensate, grazing animals create trails, which run parallel to a slope. These trails allow animals to graze the upper slope, while standing on flat ground, which provides energy and grazing efficiencies.
AEN-164: Reprogramming a Tobacco Barn to Hay Storage and Self-Feeding: An Eden Shale Case Study
Steve Higgins | Nov. 4, 2021 (New)
Many farms contain buildings that were productive long ago but contribute little to the farming operation today. A good example is a tobacco barn on a farm that no longer grows the crop. However, the application of land use planning concepts allows these barns to be repurposed or reprogrammed to significantly contribute to the farming operation. Once repurposed, these old barns can reduce labor, waste, time, and money while improving efficiency and profits.
AEN-161: Planning and Designing Suburban-Urban Poultry Housing in Kentucky
James Ash, Steve Higgins | Sep. 29, 2021 (New)
Interest in suburban-urban poultry keeping continues to increase. The main reasons for keeping poultry are for eggs and meat, and to address food sustainability or security issues. Poultry are also enjoyed as pets, for ornamental purposes, and providing enjoyment. Poultry can contribute to pest control and provide nutrient-rich manure for gardening. However, there are also challenges to keeping poultry in a suburban-urban setting.
AEN-163: Creating a Hub with Dry Lots for Small Ruminants
Steve Higgins | Sep. 16, 2021 (New)
A typical small ruminant operation needs to graze, feed and water animals daily. In addition, other activities such as milking, winter feeding, kidding or lambing, managing sick stock and handling for herd health need to be accomplished routinely or seasonally. An excellent way to promote efficiency is to create a centralized area or hub for all livestock related activities.
AEN-160: Decision Aid for Estimating the Cost of Using a Drone in Production Agriculture
Gabriel Abdulai, Joshua Jackson, Karla Ladino | Jun. 9, 2021 (New)
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, play an increasingly important role in production agriculture. UAS are already widely used in agriculture for monitoring livestock, inspecting fence lines, and evaluating crops and pastures (e.g., yield, quality, nutrients, water stress, pest pressure, disease impact). The cost of using a UAS will depend on a variety of factors, including platform-based capabilities, maintenance, and insurance. As with any investment, the economic benefit derived from using a UAS should be determined prior to purchase.
AEN-159: Using Drones to Monitor Fence Lines
Joshua Jackson | Feb. 16, 2021 (New)
The escape of livestock is a serious concern for producers. Escaped animals can potentially damage property and/or injure people, especially when they are loose in undesired areas. Fence line inspection and the monitoring of gates, wires, and latches is a time-consuming task that must be regularly conducted to mitigate the risk of escape. The use of drones to evaluate fence lines is one of the newer methods being evaluated for farmers. With their onboard camera, rapid flight speed, and ability to fly over obstacles, drones have potential to expedite fence line inspection.
AEN-158: Raised Wicking Bed
Steve Higgins | Jan. 8, 2021 (New)
A raised bed is an excellent addition to many backyard gardens. A modification of this design may be of interest to gardeners. A raised wicking bed is a self-contained method for growing vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. The bed provides a built-in water reservoir that allows plants to water themselves. The design is ideal for individuals who are new to gardening, but experienced gardeners will find it helpful as well. The greatest benefit of this system is that it provides control of the water supply to the plants within the defined area.
AEN-157: Self-Watering Wicking Container
Steve Higgins | Oct. 28, 2020 (New)
A wicking container is a self-contained method for growing vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. This container provides a built-in water reservoir that allows a plant to self-irrigate. The design is ideal for individuals who are new to gardening or have limited space, but is also used by seasoned gardeners. The greatest benefit of the system is that it provides the plant with control of its water supply, which helps free up more of the gardener's time.
AEN-156: Using a Kit to Set up a Cattle Scale System under a Squeeze Chute
Joshua Jackson | Oct. 23, 2020 (New)
On cattle operations, the use of a scale system to weigh animals is vital to the proper administration of health products such as dewormers and antibiotics, and for making management decisions. A scale system mounted to a chute allows animals to be securely restrained for measuring weights accurately and minimally impacts cattle flow through the working facilities. Excitable animals can be properly restrained and, with their movement limited, cattle can be weighed accurately.
