UK Extension To Host Several Master Grazer Spring Education Events Across Kentucky
JENNIFER ELWELL
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
Master Grazer, an education program of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Cooperative Extension Service, is hosting several schools and workshops across Kentucky aimed at helping livestock producers improve profitability through forage and fencing management.
Kentucky Hay Tool School
The Kentucky Hay Tool School will be held March 26 at the Hardin County Extension office (111 Opportunity Way) in Elizabethtown. Forage and machinery experts will discuss the proper use and maintenance of small square hay balers and other hay tools in this informational and hands-on program. The school runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT and costs $35 per person. Online registration is available.
Winter Forage Workshop
The Winter Forage Workshop will be held April 4 at the UK Research and Education Center(300 Extension Farm Rd.) at Princeton. Extension forage experts will discuss winter feeding management, including grazing winter annuals and bale grazing. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT and is free to attend. Online registrationis available.
Kentucky Beginning Grazing School
The two-day Kentucky Beginning Grazing School will be held at the Morehead State University Derrickson Agricultural Complex (25 MSU Farm Rd.) April 21 and 22. The school will provide an opportunity for beginning or advanced grazers to develop and implement a grazing plan tailored to their farms. The school will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. EDT each day.
UK Extension forage specialist Chris Teutsch said the program is suitable for rookie or veteran grazers looking to learn more about grazing profitability.
"Attendees can expect to experience hands-on demonstrations, in-class presentations and in-field activities that foster ideas for one's own grazing operation," Teutsch said.
The cost for the grazing school is $60 per participant and includes all educational materials, a grazing stick and meals. Online registration is available, and the registration deadline is April 14.
Kentucky Spring Fencing Schools
The Kentucky Spring Fencing School will be offered in two locations and is designed for producers and agricultural professionals to learn the latest fencing methods and sound construction practices through a combination of classroom and hands-on learning.
Teutsch believes more farmers should take advantage of this resource.
"The fencing schools offer insights into the newest fencing tips and tricks,” Teutsch said. “From electric fencing to high tensile fixed-knot woven-wire, the schools will teach attendees the knowledge to build high-quality, long-lasting fences for their own farms."
The cost for the Spring Fencing School is $35 per participant and includes a notebook, refreshments, safety glasses, hearing protection and lunch. Space is limited, and online registration is available. Register for the Maysville school. Register for the Elkton school.
All UK Master Grazer events are sponsored by the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.
Questions should be directed to Katy Trimble at katy.trimble@uky.edu or (270) 625-5366. ∆
JENNIFER ELWELL
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY