Agriculture

David Robertson of Hodgenville drove his John Deere tractor and hay rake past First Baptist Church of Hodgenville.

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $1,210,852 grant to Kentucky Farmworker Programs Inc. to support training, employment and support services for migrants, seasonal farmworkers and their families.
“This investment is important to Kentucky’s agriculture and rural economy,” said Roger Thomas, GOAP Executive Director. “The services provided through Kentucky Farmworker Programs Inc. will remove barriers so that eligible farmworkers can enter into or remain in training and help stabilize their employment.”

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture is partnering with Purdue University to offer the fourth annual Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange. The two-day meeting will give dairy producers an opportunity to visit other dairies and learn the latest from UK and Purdue specialists Aug. 2-3 in Fort Wayne, Ind. and the surrounding area.
Dairy specialists from both universities believe Kentucky and Indiana producers share many common challenges and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

Hay is a significant agricultural crop in LaRue County and is important to livestock producers of all types. Therefore, harvesting hay for higher and better yields is critical.
Recent research from Wisconsin Extension gives ideas on how to shorten the harvest window, enhance forage quality and reduce the chance for rain damage. Growers should consider the points below:
• Mow to a proper height, which is between 2-4 inches for alfalfa and between 3-4 inches for most grasses.