February ANR Hort Newsletter
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Agricultural & Natural Resources / Horticulture ENEWS
Click the links below to go to the latest news, articles, events and more.
- Plant Orders: https://laurel.ca.uky.edu/plantorders2025
- Forest Health Conference: https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/kentucky-forest-health-conference-returns-feb-6-address-challenges-and-innovations-woodland
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Starting plants from seeds: https://publications.ca.uky.edu/sites/publications.ca.uky.edu/files/ho56.htm
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Crop Health Conference: https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/kentucky-crop-health-conference-bring-local-and-national-experts-feb-6
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Timely Tip: Frost and Freezes Increase Cyanide Poisoning Risk
Several plants in the sorghum family put livestock at risk of cyanide poisoning after a frost or freeze. Photo by Anna Houben and Jacy Ritchie Several plants in the sorghum family put livestock at risk of cyanide poisoning after a frost or freeze. Photo by Anna Houben and Jacy Ritchie Cyanide poisoning, more commonly referred to as prussic acid poisoning, can have a very abrupt and deadly effect on ruminant livestock grazing forages and requires careful management as frosts and freezes begin in the area. Plants, such as sorghum, sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids, Johnsongrass, wild cherry, and others, contain compounds that produce free cyanide when these plants are damaged by frost or drought conditions. Grazing these plants when they are producing young shoots (less than 18 to 24 inches tall) also increases the risk. Using caution when grazing these forages during times of stress can usually eliminate the possibility of cyanide poisoning in livestock. Wait the recommended time before grazing after a frost. Waiting for two weeks after a light frost (temperature greater than 28°F) is recommended. For a killing frost, wait until the material is completely dry and brown (usually the toxin dissipates within 72 hours). Grazing at night when a frost is likely is not recommended as high levels of toxins are produced within hours after frost occurs. Delay feeding silage for six to eight weeks following ensiling of forages in the sorghum family to allow the toxic compound to dissipate. If cut for hay, allow to dry completely so the cyanide will volatilize prior to baling. The toxicity can be retained in cool or moist weather, so allow slow and thorough drying. For more information, see the UK publication Cyanide Poisoning in Ruminants http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID220/ID220.pdf
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Off The Hoof Beef Newsletter: https://afs.ca.uky.edu/beef/off-the-hoof
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Microprocessing Workshop: https://laurel.ca.uky.edu/events/homebased-microprocessor-workshop-1
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Recipe: https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/recipe/hot-and-sweet-frittata
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and other related matter should be directed to Equal Opportunity Office, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Room S-105, Agriculture Science Building, North Lexington, Kentucky 40546, the UK Office of Equal Opportunity, 13 Main Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0032 or US Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.
