UK Research Center Celebrates Century of Forage Crop Innovation

Princeton, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky’s Research and Education Center (UKREC) is commemorating 100 years of innovation in forage crop research, significantly impacting sustainable livestock grazing in the state. Established in 1925, UKREC has aimed to improve forage crops, enhancing the productivity of grazing livestock in Kentucky’s vital agricultural sector.

Forage crops serve as a backbone for Kentucky’s agriculture, supporting industries that include beef, small ruminants, and equine farms. As the director of the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence at UKREC, Chad Lee oversees research initiatives that focus on pasture crop production and management, collaborating with agricultural specialists and county agents statewide.

UKREC’s journey began with trials at the Princeton substation, where early research included rotating forages like clover and timothy with corn and wheat. This combination was aimed at boosting yields and promoting soil fertility. In 1927, the center initiated trials on lime and fertilization that lasted for nearly three decades, uncovering vital insights that helped enhance pasture quality. The findings suggested that improved pastures could increase the average daily weight gain of cattle by 3.5 times, contributing to the transformation of hundreds of thousands of acres of poor pastureland.

Sam Lowry, who served as the station’s superintendent from its inception until 1963, was a strong proponent of developing better pastures. Among the notable advancements was the discovery of a tall fescue grass by agronomist E.N. Fergus in 1931. This variety, known as “Kentucky 31,” was released in 1943 and quickly gained popularity as a robust cool-season grass. However, it later led to health problems in livestock, a condition termed fescue toxicosis, which was attributed to an endophyte fungus present in the grass.

UKREC addressed these challenges in the 1970s by creating management strategies to mitigate the effects of fescue toxicosis, many of which continue to be utilized today. By 1982, a new endophyte-free fescue variety called Johnstone was developed but lacked the hardiness of Kentucky 31. A breakthrough occurred in 1997 when a novel endophyte from New Zealand resulted in a new fescue variety, Lacefield Max Q II, which was released in 2018 and named in honor of Garry Lacefield.

Moreover, alfalfa’s potential for enhancing soil health was recognized, although it was underutilized in Kentucky until 1974 due to difficulties in establishment. Better management practices encouraged its adoption, supported by the development of a no-till seed drill by UK agronomist Tim Taylor and agricultural engineer Ed Smith, which John Deere subsequently purchased. The establishment of the first Kentucky Alfalfa Conference in 1981 by Lacefield further highlighted UKREC’s expertise in this field.

In 1947, the Kenland variety of red clover emerged from UKREC, showcasing its adaptability and later gaining widespread use across the United States. Contemporary research at UKREC continues to focus on improving red clover production and its benefits, including alleviating symptoms associated with fescue toxicosis.

To further support farmers, the Master Grazer Program was launched in 2006, now headed by Chris Teutsch. This initiative provides educational programs aimed at improving grazing management. Recently, UKREC hosted the Heart of America Grazing and Forage Conference, which attracted over 400 participants eager to learn about new forage systems and research findings.

As climate variations pose challenges to agriculture, UKREC emphasizes research on the climate adaptability of forages to ensure sustainable livestock production. The center aims to continuously support Kentucky farmers by enhancing forage quality and management practices while adapting to environmental changes.

Through its dedicated research and extension programs, UKREC and Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) strive to provide comprehensive resources and education to support the state’s vibrant agricultural community.