2006 KENTUCKY WHIP HANDBOOK

Updated 12/07/2005

Grazing, Mowing and Native Grass Seed Harvest Policy For Land Under A WHIP Contract

• Pastureland under a WHIP contract must be managed according to a prescribed grazing plan and job sheet.

• Native grass pastures shall have an ending grazing height of 8 inches.

• Grazing of native grasses under a WHIP contract shall be deferred between September 1st and April 30th unless a grazing plan detailing how the area shall be grazed to maintain habitat during this period is developed by an NRCS grazing lands specialist.

Mowing Requirements

• During an establishment period for native grasses, top clipping can be done as needed for weed control from May through August as recommended by an NRCS conservationist or biologist or KDFWR biologist for two years after planting. Clip high as possible but no closer than 8 inches.

• After establishment, mowing will only be allowed once annually on the same acreage.

• After establishment, native grasses shall only be mowed during the month of August with a minimum mowing height of 8 inches.

• Ungrazed grasslands must be mowed, disked, or burned at least once during the contract period to maintain early successional habitat.

Native Grass Seed Harvest

• Native grass seed may be harvested once a year between September 1st and October 31st. Seed harvest must be done using equipment that strips the seed head from the stem and does minimal disturbance to the vegetative structure.

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