Biofuels conference set for two locations, Dec. 17 and 18

Biofuels have gained popularity in recent years and are becoming a more viable alternative fuel option for farmers, while at the same time helping them reduce their carbon footprint. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is offering a half-day conference in two locations to address current farm biofuels topics.

The 2008 Western Kentucky Farm Biofuels Conference will begin with lunch and registration at 12 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Henderson County Cooperative Extension Office. The program will repeat beginning with registration at 8 a.m. Dec. 18 at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton.

UK Agricultural Engineer Sam McNeill and John Dunaway, from UK's Center for Applied Energy Research will address the current energy situation. UK Agricultural Engineer Tim Stombaugh will discuss energy savings on the farm and Adam Andrews of the Kentucky Corn Growers Association will give an overview of carbon credits.

Mike Montross, UK agricultural engineer, and James Bush of the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence will moderate a panel discussion about new feedstock opportunities. During the discussion, Brian Caldbeck of Miles Enterprises and Robert Davis of AgStrong will talk about canola production in Kentucky and Georgia respectively. Other topics included in the panel discussion are on-farm biofuel opportunities in Georgia; barley production information from Bill Scruggs of Virginia's Osage Energy and information about genetic advances in corn and soybeans from Bill Meacham, a Pioneer area agronomist. A question and answer session will follow the panel discussion.

Lunch is included at either site for those who register by Dec. 14. For lunch reservations or directions please call Mike Smith at the Henderson County office, 270-826-8387, Susan Fox at the Lyon County office 270-388-2341, McNeill at the UKREC 270-365-7541, ext 213, or contact your local county extension office.

Tapping into demand potential for local forage-finished beef

In the middle of the 20^th century, the traditional method of raising and finishing cattle on the farm gave way to a newer concept of Midwest-based feedlots that could take advantage of low priced grain and improved transportation to finish and market beef in vast quantities. But half a century later, the traditional production model is beginning to reemerge.

Beef...
read more

Understanding cold stress in livestock

Kentucky is right in the throes of winter, and arctic blasts can cause problems for livestock operations, ranging from frozen waterers to sick cattle. 

“In these situations, hindsight is often 20/20 due to lack of preparation,” said Jeff Lehmkuhler, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture beef specialist. “I...
read more

Kentucky Alfalfa Conference celebrates 30 years

Warren Thompson and Clayton Geralds are passionate about alfalfa, and the Kentucky Alfalfa Conference has held a special place on their calendars for the majority of its 30 years of existence.

As a retired industry professional and forage extension specialist for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Thompson worked to increase the state's alfalfa acreage...
read more