CCD-CP-46: Switchgrass for Bioenergy

Greg Halich, Cheryl Kaiser | May 1, 2013 (Minor Revision)

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a tall-growing, warm-season, perennial bunchgrass native to portions of Kentucky. Once a major component of the Midwestern prairies, switchgrass stands have dwindled as natural grasslands have given way to expanding farms and developments.

CCD-CP-44: Sweet Sorghum for Biofuel

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | April 18, 2013 (New)

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is primarily grown in Kentucky for its syrup. However, this crop may someday have another use in the Commonwealth—as a bioenergy crop. From 2007 to 2009, University of Kentucky researchers examined the feasibility of ethanol production from sweet sorghum. They concluded that "overall sweet sorghum would appear to be a very feasible crop for ethanol production in Kentucky." Additional states, along with several other countries, have also been actively conducting research on sweet sorghum for biofuel and with promising results.

CCD-CP-23: Broomcorn

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | April 18, 2013 (Minor Revision)

Broomcorn (Sorghum vulgare) is not actually corn, but is instead related to the sorghums used for grain and syrup (Sorghum bicolor). Broomcorn has a coarse, fibrous seed head that has been used to make various types of brooms and brushes for several hundred years. While there are still artisans creating these natural brooms today, this crop is now more commonly used to make decorative items, such as wreaths, swags, floral arrangements, baskets, and autumn displays. It takes about 60 sprays (heads) to make a broom, but wreaths and dried arrangements require only a few plants. Broomcorn is available in natural colors, as well as purple and various fall colors.

Trend Adjustment Availability for Wheat in Kentucky

Cory Walters | April 17, 2013 (New)

Over the past thirty years, the Kentucky Small Grain Growers have invested nearly 2 million in research dollars aimed at improving Kentucky wheat yields. Consequently, Kentucky producers face a wheat yield trend. The purpose of this short article is to highlight why TA-APH availability for wheat is essential for Kentucky wheat producers.

CCD-CP-45: Sweet Sorghum for Syrup

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | April 2, 2013 (Minor Revision)

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is primarily grown for the sweet juice that is extracted from the plant's stalks. Stalks are crushed and the extracted juice is cooked down to a thick, sticky syrup. The syrup is sometimes incorrectly referred to as sorghum molasses.

CCD-CP-21: Alfalfa

Kenny Burdine, Cheryl Kaiser | April 2, 2013 (Minor Revision)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has the highest yield potential and highest feeding values of all adapted perennial forage legumes. It is a versatile crop that may be used for pasture, hay, silage, green-chop, pellets, cubes, soil improvement, and soil conservation.

CCD-CP-41: Specialty Soybeans

Carl Dillon, Cheryl Kaiser, Michael Vassalos | March 19, 2013 (Minor Revision)

The first commercial use of soybean (Glycine max) was for its oil; however, this crop is now considered a valuable source of protein as well. Specialty or novel soybeans are used to produce various soyfoods of Asian origin, such as tofu, miso, soy sauce, natto, soymilk, and tempeh. Assorted health food snacks, energy foods, and cereals are also produced from specialty soybeans. Other uses include bean sprouts and soy nuts.

CCD-CP-40: Specialty Field Corns

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | March 18, 2013 (Minor Revision)

This profile discusses some of the types of special purpose field corn (Zea mays) that are harvested for grain and sold for animal feed, industrial use, or human consumption. These specialty corns have been genetically altered to improve their starch, protein, or oil content, depending on their intended use.

CLD2-11: Financial Oversight for a Nonprofit Organization

Steve Isaacs | February 6, 2013 (New)

To be trusted with financial oversight suggests that the organization has confidence that the individual will manage the funds in a timely, transparent, and accurate manner. Openness in reporting receipts, expenditures, and financial status in a clear format and on a regular basis is vital.

ID-205: Drought-Stressed Corn Silage Valuation, 2012

Kenny Burdine, Greg Halich, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Cory Walters | February 6, 2013 (New)

Extended dry conditions have impacted the corn crop severely in many areas of the state this year. As the condition of the corn crop deteriorates, many have been forced to look at salvage options such as cutting corn for silage and possibly hay for some fields. Due to the extreme weather conditions this year, this publication will focus on valuing drought-stressed corn silage.