As with many of the state’s crops, Kentucky cool-season forages have taken a hit from the drought and high temperatures. According to the Kentucky Weekly Crop and Weather Report released Aug.13, more than half of the state’s pastures were considered in poor or very poor condition.

August and September is the ideal time to reseed those pastures, said Ray Smith, PhD, extension forage specialist with the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture.

Before planting producers should have their soil tested and fertilized.

"Annual fertilizer applications are important for hay and silage, because high levels of nutrients are removed during the harvest," Smith said. "Soil testing is important, especially with high fertilizer prices, to make sure you are not over applying nutrients