Blacklegged Tick Adults Active during Winter By Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist

Adult blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) search for blood meals during the winter months (November through March). These cold-hardy ticks can be active whenever the temperature is above freezing. The female has long mouthparts and a distinctive orange-red body with a dark plate on the back (Figure 1). The smaller male has a completely dark back and legs. The blacklegged tick is the primary vector of Lyme disease in the eastern US. This tick has a wide host range that includes large and small wildlife species, cats, dogs, and people. Historically, the incidence of Lyme disease in Kentucky has been very low but this could change as the tick becomes more widespread and contact with humans and pets become more frequent. Repellents containing DEET or picaridin can be applied to the skin; clothing treatments of permethrin also are available. Insecticide-impregnated collars labeled for flea and tick control can protect pets. The blacklegged tick is widely distributed in Kentucky (Figure 2) but more information is needed to monitor its presence and spread. Please submit specimens to your Cooperative Extension Office with information on the host and location.

Of Cows

and

Plows

Of Cows

and

Plows AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES February 2020

Figure 2. Distribution of the blacklegged tick (counties shaded in gray) based on a 2015-2016 winter deer survey conducted by Kentucky Division of Fish and Wildlife Resources personnel. (Map provided by I. Stasiak, KDFWR)

Figure 1. Female blacklegged tick is active during the winter months. Note the long mouthparts and dark legs (Photo: Lee Townsend, UK).

The spring of 2019 delayed hay harvest in many parts of the state. This delay resulted in much of the hay being harvested at mature stages. Fescue was in full flower to soft-dough stage or even more mature in some cases. Mature forages have greater cell wall and lower digestibility. I tried to demonstrate the impact of late cutting on feed value by clipping non-fertilized fescue plants the 3rd week in June. These plants were over three feet tall when I cut them. I proceeded to separate the bottom leaves, stem and seed head for yield and quality. The stem and seed head represented approximately 50% of the biomass. The stem had already matured to the point that it was tan in color. The leaves comprised the remaining 50% of the biomass and contained 10% crude protein and a calculated TDN of 54%. The stem itself was only 3.1% crude protein with a TDN of 45%. Let me give you a reference to better relate the fescue stem quality (about half the biomass). As we all know, wheat straw is the aftermath from harvesting the grain. Wheat harvest often occurs in late June through July. Did you catch that? The book values for crude protein and TDN of wheat straw are 3.6% and 43%, respectively. Yes, that stem fraction on the hay cut in late June is similar in quality to straw! I know we can’t control weather, and many of you are just trying to make the best out of what you have to feed. Let’s make an action plan. Step 1) Test the hay for nutrients so we know

what we have in the hay. Surprisingly much of the hay may be sufficient in protein for dry, mid-gestation beef cows and only need energy supplementation. However, cows that came into the winter thin, may need additional protein supplementation to regain body condition.

Step 2) Determine the nutrient needs of the class of cattle fed. Fall calving cows that are nursing 90-100-day old calves need more nutrients than a dry, gestating cow that won’t calve until April. Match up lower quality forages with cattle that have lower nutrient requirements.

Step 3) Develop a supplement program to meet the nutrient needs. Having the forage test will let you see if you need to supplement energy, protein or both. A protein tub may balance the protein needs but still not provide enough energy due to limited intake. Focus first on meeting the nutrient needs and then determine what supplement is the most cost effective and/or easiest to handle to provide to the cattle.

Protein source generally is recommended to be a plant-based product. Soybean meal, corn gluten feed, dried distillers grains, cottonseed meal, and other plant protein sources can be utilized. Non-protein nitrogen sources (i.e. urea and biuret) can be utilized but may not be as efficient as plant sources. However, providing non-protein nitrogen on very low-quality forages is better than not supplementing if protein is needed to meet the rumen degradable protein requirements. In many instances, energy is deficient in the forages and will need to be supplemented to meet the needs of the cows. The energy may be from about any source such as starch, sugar, highly digestible fiber, protein or fat. However, the level or amount supplemented from these sources have limits to avoid digestive upsets. For instance, this year corn may be a cost-effective energy supplement. However, the starch from corn can reduce fiber digestion if there is insufficient degradable protein in the rumen. As a rule of thumb, cows should be limited to not more than three pounds of corn per 1,000 lb of body weight to reduce the risk reducing fiber digestion. Sugars from molasses tend to have less of impact on fiber digestion in the rumen. However, excessive amounts of sugar consumption can lead to reduced fiber digestion. Fat supplementation can also have a negative impact on fiber digestion at higher intakes. Total dietary fat is typically recommended to not exceed 6%. Forages when often contain 2-3% fat. Fat intake from supplement then should be limited to around 0.75 lb/d for mature cows. Let’s say you had some whole soybeans in the bin that you

Choosing a Supplement for the Cow Herd Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD, PAS, Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

· Continue strip-grazing of stockpiled tall fescue for maximum utilization.

· Remove animals from very wet pastures to limit pugging and soil compaction.

· Feed best hay to animals with highest nutritional needs.

· Supplement poor quality hay as indicated by forage testing.

· Feed hay in poor pastures to increase soil fertility and enhance organic matter.

· Consider “bale grazing” -set out hay when the ground is dry or frozen. Use temporary fencing to allocate bales as needed.

· Prepare for pasture renovation by purchasing improved varieties, inoculant, etc. and getting equipment ready

Bull EPD Qualification Calculator for CAIP Beef Genetics Program Darrh Bullock, Ph.D., Beef Genetics Specialist, University of Kentucky The University of Kentucky is developing a calculator to assist producers to determine if a bull qualifies for the CAIP Beef Genetics Program that provides cost-share to support improved bull purchases. There will be two separate calculators, one to assist producers who are purchasing a bull, to determine if that bull qualifies for the category that they desire, and one to assist seedstock producers that would like to determine which categories their bulls qualify for. In both calculators, producers simply enter the EPD information of the bull in the appropriate space and click the “Check Eligibility” tab and the results are displayed. Remember, this is just one requirement of the program and does not ensure that you will receive cost-share money. The first step is applying for CAIP money through your county’s program. If approved then follow all of the guidelines to make sure your bull qualifies, including the EPD requirement that these calculators will assist with. More information on this program can be found at: https://agpolicy.ky.gov/funds/Documents/caip-current/caip-20_animal-large.pdf. We are in the final stages of development of the calculator and it should be available soon. Please check the University of Kentucky Animal and Food Sciences’ Beef website (http://afs.ca.uky.edu/beef) for more information and a link to the calculator when it becomes available. If you have specific questions about CAIP programs you can contact the Governor’s Office of Ag Policy (govkyagpolicy@ky.gov). For questions specific to the EPD guidelines or the calculator can be addressed to me (dbullock@uky.edu).

wanted to feed rather than sell. Soybeans will contain around 18% oil or fat. The amount of whole soybeans that would be recommended to be fed would be four pounds or less. Four pounds supplies about 0.7 lb of fat to the diet. Limiting intake based on fat applies to distillers syrup and other high fat feeds. Feedstuffs with highly digestible fiber work ell on forage-based diets. Soyhulls, rice bran, beet pulp, corn gluten feed, wheat middlings and other feeds can be utilized. Feedstuffs with low starch and highly digestible fiber can be fed at higher rates with minimal risk of digestive upsets. These feeds can be blended with cereal grains

and protein sources to develop supplements for the cow herd. When choosing a supplement to provide to beef cows, begin with a plan. Once the forage nutrient content is known along with the nutrient needs of the cattle, the supplement that will balance the supply and needs can be selected. Several choices will be available. Cost and ease of handling narrows the selection for many. Always work with a nutritionist to ensure to develop a strategy for supplementing your herd. For more information contact your nutritionist or local county extension office.

2020 OAK Conference Healthy Soils, Healthy Farms: Reshaping Kentucky with Organics

Friday & Saturday March 6-7, 2020

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville Marriott East 1903 Embassy Square Blvd.,

Louisville KY 40229 Local and national speakers share practical tools and resources on a variety of topics, including forage and livestock, row crops, growing produce, urban agriculture and food systems, the business of farming, and the homestead. The conference brings together more than 400 participants, including farmers, academics, government agencies, businesses and consumers from Kentucky and beyond to continue the momentum of building resilient and healthy food systems. The 2020 program features short courses, more than 45 educational workshops, invited keynote speakers, Trade Show, festive reception and silent auction, and a community film screening. From the experienced farmer to the beginning farmer, from field production to the consumer who wants to learn more about the benefits of organics, #OAK2020 will have something for everyone. Join us for OAK Conference 2020! This energized gathering is a must-attend for farmers, agriculture professionals, home gardeners and those passionate about building more resilient food systems in Kentucky. Conference sessions provide useful tools, techniques, research and knowledge you can put to use on the farm and fantastic opportunities for networking! The conference covers an array of organic production topics, regenerative agriculture, livestock management, marketing, homesteading and food systems change making. Join us and hear from experienced farmers and national speakers covering a range of topics in sessions, short courses, and keynotes. Full conference registration includes 4 locally-sourced and organic meals! Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available for Certified Crop Advisers and KDA Certified Pesticide Applicators

Questions? Contact us: 502-219-7378 or

OAK PO Box 22244

Lexington, KY 40522 To register and for more information, go to:

https://www.oak-ky.org/conference-registration

Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov

Producers, Beat the Rush – Call Today to Make an Appointment

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers to enroll now in the Agriculture Risk (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. March 15, 2020 is the enrollment deadline for the 2019 crop year.

Although more than 200,000 producers have enrolled to date, FSA anticipates 1.5 million producers will enroll for ARC and PLC. By enrolling soon, producers can beat the rush as the deadline nears.

“FSA offices have multiple programs competing for the time and attention of our staff. Because of the importance and complexities of the ARC and PLC programs; and to ensure we meet your program delivery expectations, please do not wait to start the enrollment process,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “I cannot emphasize enough the need to begin the program election and enrollment process now. Please call your FSA county office and make an appointment soon to ensure your elections are made and contracts signed well ahead of the deadlines.”

ARC and PLC provide financial protections to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety nets for most American farms.

The programs cover the following commodities: barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.

Until March 15, producers who have not yet enrolled in ARC or PLC for 2019 can enroll for both 2019 and 2020 during the same visit to an FSA county office unless yield updates are requested. Additionally, farm owners have a one-time opportunity to update PLC payment yields that take effect beginning with crop year 2020. If the owner accompanies the producer to the office, the yield update and enrollments may be completed during the same office visit.

For more information on ARC and PLC, download our program fact sheet or our 2014-2018 farm bills comparison fact sheet. Online ARC and PLC election decision tools are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc. To enroll, contact your FSA county office for an appointment.

FSA Encourages Producers to Enroll Soon in Agriculture Risk and Price Loss Coverage Programs

REGISTER ONLINE AT: http://www.cvent.com/events/monsanto-provided-dicamba-application-requirements-training-shelbyville-ky/event-summary-93536c3a03f742fe93c2cc0574ffd29f.aspx

Giving Potassium Some Respect

Potassium can make a case for the ‘Don’t get no respect’ award among the fertilizer nutrients. Nitrogen (N) gets most of the attention because of its showy results; nothing perks up a hay or pasture field faster. Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) get lots of attention as ‘bone makers’ for our signature thoroughbreds. Even P gets the ‘no such thing as bad press’ award with its problematic relationship with water quality.

Lowly potassium just does not get any respect. Yet, after N, no nutrient is needed in greater amounts for hay or pasture. Essential for proper water relations, disease resistance and even winterhardiness, potassium is crucial for healthy plants. But when it comes to getting a little love in the fertilizer buggy, K is usually out of luck.

Don’t fall into the trap of underapplying K to your hay fields. With hay, almost 100% of the minerals present in a hay crop are removed from the field. Hay crops remove three to four times as much K as P (K2O vs P2O5 forms). Kentucky soils cannot replace the K as fast as it is removed, and continuous haymaking without adequate nutrient replacement will severely reduce the available K in the soil. A soil test is the only way to know how much fertilizer is needed.

In the fall of 2017, I did a farm visit to a small farm whose owner was not pleased with the production from his hayfield. A quick look at the field revealed a whole lot of broomsedge and little of the cool season grass he was hoping to see. His UK County ANR agent had him pull a soil test, and the results were good for every

measure except K, which was in the ‘Very Low’ category by UK’s standards.

The very low K numbers were due to fertilizing only with 200 pounds of triple 19, which delivers 38 lb each of N, P2O5 and K2O per acre, and even this was not done every year. The field was cut for hay every year for at least a decade. So this field was grossly underfertilized for K every year, understandably resulting in low potash fertility.

The farmer agreed to let us conduct a replicated trial on this field, starting in the spring of 2018.

Fertilizer treatments included all combinations of 180 lb of N, 45 lb of P2O5, and either 180 or 360 lb of K2O. These were compared to a 38-38-38 (N-P2O5-K2O) and 0-0-0 treatment, randomized and replicated four times.

The results were frankly dramatic. By the end of the first year, the proportion of broomsedge in the plots went from 89% to 14% by adding N, P and K (Figure 1). Annual yields for the plots received N, P and K were over 2 tons per acre

greater than the unfertilized plots. Potash addition alone was responsible for half of the yield increase. Broomsedge and total yield data from 2019 are not yet summarized, but show similar trends.

Fertilization had an unexpected benefit. Plots receiving P and K but no N had a marked increase in percentage red clover (visual basis) (Figure 2). This clover was all volunteer, since no red clover had been overseeded on this field in over a decade.

Broomsedge is often a symptom of low soil fertility, but lime is not always the answer. This Powell County hay field was under-fertilized with potash for years, but needed no limestone. Ade-quate potash fertility turned the field around in one growing season.

This month’s featured pictures are participants

in the 2020 Franklin County 4-H Ham Project.

To have your picture featured in “Of Cows and Plows,” please

email your picture, a release statement, and contact information

to Keenan Bishop, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and

Natural Resources, at kbishop@email.uky.edu.

There are many takeaways from this trial. First, proliferation of broomsedge is not only a low pH issue, it can also be due to low K levels. Second, low K will prevent N fertilizer from having its full effect. Third, getting P and K fertility up on unimproved forage fields can greatly stimulate clover even when it has not been seeded recently.

Yes, the levels of fertilizer used were high, but not unreasonable. Yes these fertilizer rates would be expensive, but not more expensive than killing a field and starting over. And the effect was seen in the first year.

So maybe it is time to give potash a little respect.

Figure 1. The effect of N, P and K fertilization on yields and composition of an improved tall fescue hayfield testing low in K and dominated with broomsedge.

Figure 2. The effect of N, P and K fertilization on percent red clover in an improved tall fescue hayfield testing low in K and dominated by broomsedge.

Keenan Bishop, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Education

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