PHOTO: Steve Patton, UK Agricultural Communications
New and experienced forage producers can receive educational information on the attributes of more profitable and nutritious grazing systems during the 2014 Kentucky Grazing School.
The school will be May 21-22 at the Woodford County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Hands-on field exercises will occur at UK’s C. Oran Little Research Center, also in Woodford County.
Hosted by extension specialists from the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the school will begin at 7:30 a.m. EDT and adjourn at 5:30 p.m.
Presenters will cover grazing information specific to Kentucky and will focus on spring and summer grazing options. It is particularly geared toward managing grazing systems for ruminant animals.
During the first day, participants will work in groups to install a rotational grazing system. They will assess pasture yield and set up small paddocks. Cattle will then graze the paddocks. On the second day, the participants will observe the grazed paddocks and hear reports from each group.
Producers will also design a grazing system based on their farm. Participants should bring a printed aerial map of their farm to the school. Maps are available through the local Farm Service Agency or online through Google Maps.
In addition, UKAg specialists in forages, livestock production and veterinary science will present topics that include the response of grass and legumes to grazing and the benefits of portable water and shade systems. Natural Resources Conservation Service and extension representatives will discuss cost-share programs available through the NRCS and county extension offices. A representative from a fencing company will share temporary fencing tips. Members of a producer panel will also share their grazing experiences.
Preregistration is necessary, as enrollment is limited to the first 45 registrants. Applications, directions and hotel information are available online at the UK Master Grazer Program website, , or through the county offices of the UK Cooperative Extension Service.
Registration is $50 and includes all materials, grazing manual, breaks and lunch for both days. Checks should be made payable to the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council. Checks and registration applications should be mailed to Jeff Lehmkuhler, 804 W.P. Garrigus Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0215.
For more information, contact UK master grazer coordinator Cody Smith at 859-257-7512 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.org.
The event is co-sponsored by the Master Grazer Educational Program; Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund; UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Natural Resources Conservation Services; and Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council.