VERSAILLES, Ky. – The upcoming 2024 Fall Kentucky Intermediate Grazing School, hosted by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, promises an immersive learning experience for livestock producers.

The school is Sept. 25-.26 at the Woodford County Extension Office. Registration costs $60 per participant and ends Sept. 20.

This year’s program has undergone significant updates to intensify its focus on the crucial role of soils and hands-on application in successful grazing management. The program aims to enhance profitability through a blend of hands-on activities and classroom instruction.

“We retooled our curriculum to better serve Kentucky producers, “said Chris Teutsch, forage specialist and extension associate professor at Martin-Gatton CAFE. “While this school is geared toward those who have already started improved grazing management, the topics covered and discussions held will benefit producers at all stages, especially beginners.”

The first day features assessing forage availability, using grazing math to determine stocking rates, managing tall fescue, plant and forage identification and plant root systems. Attendees will also learn about portable and seasonal water systems, strategies for assessing pasture productivity, using electric fencing to manage forage and practical demonstrations for setting up small paddocks.

Participants will travel to various UK research farms for on-farm demonstrations, having the opportunity to select the most relevant farm or area of interest. Farm sessions will explore electric fencing for grazing control, offset strategies, soil and hay sampling, effective forage plant cultivation and grazing management strategies. The day culminates in discussions surrounding appropriate forage species selections and strategies to create a holistic grazing system, such as stockpiling fescue for the winter.

The second day features discussions on the importance of shade in grazing systems, implications of drought conditions on forage and livestock, nutrient cycling through the soil and optimizing existing forage resources.

Additionally, attendees will hear from local Lexington-based producer Todd Clark, who sells grass-fed and finished beef to consumers and major grocery chains. The day concludes with participants discussing their demonstration areas, frost seeding and using annuals for extending the grazing season.

To register for the school and purchase online, visit https://2024FallGrazingSchool.eventbrite.com.

To register by mail, send a $60 payable to KFGC at the following address: Caroline Roper, UKREC, 348 University Drive, Princeton, KY 42445. Please specify “2024 Fall Grazing School” in the check memo line.