May 12, 2011
AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Best management practices for horse farm biosystems
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
Farmers markets and CSAs: support for the local agricultural economy
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Marching orders from the White House
Best management practices for horse farm biosystems
Source: Steve Higgins, director of environmental compliance, College of Agriculture and Scientist III, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Although horse farm owners by nature are jacks of all trade, they can easily overlook the importance of developing appropriate plans for environmental systems. Heavy rains throughout April and at the beginning of May provide a striking visual aide: There is no better time to see how heavy rain and run-off can erode fields and paths, which makes spring the perfect time to take the necessary steps to prevent further soil loss, erosion, loss of forage, damage to pasture, and contamination of waterways.
Ponding water, heavy run-off, and saturated fields show how water flows on a particular piece of land, valuable information that demonstrates how water systems and drainage actually work, field by field. While the ground is wet, take a hard look at feeding sites, gate openings and other heavy-use areas, fence rows, compost piles and waste disposal/dispersal to ensure that best management practices (BMPs) are working on your farm.
To strengthen a farm’s environmental systems, horse farm managers should consider the following:
Water quality plan. As required by law since 1994, all farms in Kentucky with more than 10 acres must have a water quality plan, a dynamic document that should be kept on file at the local conservation district office as proof that a plan exists and reviewed on a yearly basis. This document is a tool that, when followed, typically will improve the entire operation. In Kentucky a fine of $25,000 per offense, per day can be levied for water pollution. A tool that assists with the self-certification process is available at
Proper muck management. Muck, a combination of horse manure, urine and bedding (usually shavings or straw), must be stored in an appropriate manner, and cannot be stored or used as fill for a ditch, sinkhole or gulley, which could convey dirty water into waterways or water bearing zones. Utilize muck as part of a nutrient management plan; get rid of muck by giving it away to neighbors or garden clubs; or compost it properly to create humus that can be spread on pastures. Additional nitrogen may be necessary to create enough heat to properly break down muck, which has a high carbon content depending on the method used to remove the muck and they type of bedding. High-nitrogen chicken and cattle manure can be used to balance the carbon-nitrogen ratio.
High traffic areas. Protect high-use areas with specially built traffic pads designed to reduce soil compaction, erosion and heavy mud. Most farms use a form of stone (gravel), but horse operations often use a combination of rock and rock dust or “crusher fines,” which is easier for tender-footed or unshod horses to walk on. Feed horses in a dry lot adjacent to multiple paddocks to avoid tearing up pasture or feed in multiple areas, changing the location frequently so soil does not erode or become compacted by constant use.
Rotational grazing. Fence big pastures into smaller areas to create more paddocks and rotate horses, allowing unused paddocks time for regrowth. Fences should not be laid out as squares or rectangles that were planned by looking at an aerial view. Instead, design them to exclude horses from natural drainage. Remove horses when grass is eaten down to three inches to prevent over-grazing, which promotes the establishment of undesirable vegetation.
Feeding. Feed horses above ground. Elevate hay and grain feeders and move them occasionally to reduce wear and tear around them. Typically, fifty percent of hay is wasted when it is fed on the ground, so this is a cost-savings practice. Take soil samples in pastures and in feed areas to manage nutrient levels.
Keep clean water clean. Drain roof water and clean headwaters away from buildings, to keep them from becoming contaminated with sediment, manure, and pathogens. Roof water can be collected in rain barrels for secondary use, or channeled away from building foundations into non-sensitive grassy areas.
Landscaping. Plant trees with generous canopies to create shade. Plant windbreaks on mounds to protect horses from winter winds.
Enhance riparian areas. Many producers do not understand the regulations and permitting requirements for activities near streams, floodplains, ponds, and lakes. The best practice is to create “wild and woolly” areas, untamed and natural spaces, to filter water before it hits surface water. Enhance riparian sections, using vegetation to control erosion. Riparian areas are thin strips of grassy, weedy, non-crop land that border creeks, streams, and rivers, and provide a transition between field or crop and waterway. Because of their proximity to water, riparian areas are very important filters, slowing run-off and contamination and supporting plant and animal diversity.
For more information on best management practices for horse farm biosystems, contact the (YOUR COUNTY) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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Farmers markets and CSAs: support for the local agricultural economy
Source: Bob Perry, project manager, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Working Group
Suddenly, it seems like everyone is enrolling in community-supported agriculture (CSA) and shopping the local farmer’s market. Both are great ways to support farmers in your area while getting the best, freshest, local and environmentally sound products. Many of the offerings would not be available in traditional grocery stores because they are more perishable than grocery-store varieties, have short seasons, require more intensive farming practices with uncertain financial rewards, or appeal only to a specific segment of shoppers.
Because participation in farmers markets is on the upswing, there is an increased variety of vendor products in many locations throughout Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture reports more than 155 markets will sell local products this year, and applications continue to be submitted. This greater scope allows farmers markets to appeal to a broader clientele. In some market locations, sheep and goat cheeses, soaps, seafood, and fresh flowers join the stalwarts of honey, meats, eggs, produce and fruit. Check your local market to see which new vendors have been added to your market and what goods they sell.
In community-supported agriculture, farmers offer products at a pre-determined price (paid in advance or by installment) before the season begins. The recipient gets a weekly CSA box that contains varying amounts of produce, reflecting the true seasonality and unpredictability of farming.
A CSA is a great way to broaden your horizons by boldly signing up for this weekly surprise. It increases spontaneity and creativity in the kitchen, since the box will vary according to what your farmer has available that day. If you buy the same ingredients week after week, season after season, a CSA will jolt you out of this shopping rut. It’s also a good way to get in touch with the rhythm of the growing season, as ramps, a type of spring onion, and asparagus in early spring are replaced by mums, pumpkins and gourds as the season draws to a close in the fall.
Each will appeal to different people and families. Shopping at a farmers market allows the flexibility to pick and choose items; a CSA provides a set amount of the farmer’s best. Both options are excellent means to support the health of your family, community, and local economy.
For more information, contact the (YOUR COUNTY) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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Marching orders from the White House
Source: Deana K. Reed, extension specialist for 4-H youth development
Because childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have made physical activity, a key component in fighting obesity and increasing health, a priority. The first lady has launched the Let’s Move! initiative, whose goal is to solve the problem of obesity within a generation. This ambitious plan draws heavily on partnerships between families, educators and community leaders to make substantive changes that will allow for greater childhood health. Let’s Move! lists its five pillars as the following:
- Creating a healthy start for children
- Empowering parents and caregivers
- Providing healthy food in schools
- Improving access to healthy, affordable foods
- Increasing physical activity
The president is also in on the game, having extended the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) challenge to reward activity. To earn an award, all you have to do is document your physical activity each day (60 minutes for kids, 30 minutes for adults), five days a week, for six weeks. To join the PALA challenge, follow the site’s instructions: Make a commitment (family or team effort); sign up online, print the activity log, or start a group; log your activity (choosing from over 100 activities); earn your reward.
According to letsmove.gov, children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day to grow up to a healthy weight, yet 8- to 18-year-olds spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media, and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity.
Spring weather makes it easier to make changes in lifestyle and activity, since everyone wants to be outside enjoying the sun. Join other Kentucky 4-H members who are answering the President’s challenge to increase fitness and activity by joining the PALA challenge at and do a group search for Kentucky 4-H.
For more information, visit or or contact the (YOUR COUNTY) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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