PASTURELAND

The acres of pastureland in Kentucky have remained fairly constant from 1982 to 1992. In 1982 , 1987, and 1992 there were about 6.0 million acres, and in 1997 decreased to about 5.7 million acres. Because of the NRI data collection guidelines, some acres of pastureland may now be classified as hayland (non-cultivated cropland). The reason for this is as follows:

When a field is solely used for pasture, it is coded as pasture. When a field is used for both pasture and hayland, then it is coded as hayland. Many fields in Kentucky are cut for hay early in the season and then used for pasture later in the year. Actually, the decrease that is observed in 1997 for acres of pastureland can partially be accounted for in an increase in the acres of hayland (non-cultivated cropland). Some of these hayland acres are also being used for pasture (Refer to Cropland section). Due to this fact, the decrease in pastureland in 1997 is probably less than what is indicated here. However, some acres of pastureland have been converted to urban and roads and some acres have reverted back to trees or forestland.

< Back to NRI Findings...