UK Master Grazer Program Offers Spring Training Events

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service are offering several upcoming educational events through the UK Master Grazer Program to help livestock producers strengthen profitability through improved forage and fencing management.

Kentucky Hay Tool School

The Kentucky Hay Tool School will take place March 26 at the Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown. This hands-on program will feature forage and machinery specialists demonstrating proper operation and maintenance of small square hay balers and other hay equipment. The school will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT and costs $35 per person. Registration is available online.

Winter Forage Workshop

A Winter Forage Workshop is scheduled for April 4 at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton. Extension forage specialists will discuss winter feeding strategies, including grazing winter annuals and bale grazing. The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT and is free to attend. Registration is available online.

Kentucky Beginning Grazing School

The two-day Kentucky Beginning Grazing School will be held April 21-22 at the Morehead State University Derrickson Agricultural Complex. The program is designed to help beginning and experienced producers develop grazing plans tailored to their farms. Sessions run from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT each day.

UK Extension forage specialist Chris Teutsch said the program benefits both new and experienced graziers.

“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 is $60 per participant and includes educational materials, a grazing stick and meals. Online registration is available, and the deadline to register is April 14.

Kentucky Spring Fencing Schools

Spring Fencing Schools will also be offered April 28 at the Mason County Extension Office in Maysville and April 30 at the Todd County Extension Office in Elkton.

Teutsch encouraged producers to participate.

"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 fencing schools cost $35 per participant and include lunch and materials. Online registration is available for both locations.

Click here, to register for the Maysville school and for Elkton school.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour