The University of Kentucky will host the Kentucky Grazing School Sept. 22-23 at the Woodford County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to help ruminant producers maximize the use of their forages as the fall grazing season begins.  

The school includes a mixture of classroom presentations, on-site demonstrations and hands-on activities. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment specialists in livestock, forages, engineering and economics will join county extension agents, and representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and industry to lead the schools. Each day begins at 7:30 a.m. EDT and ends at 5 p.m. The day begins at the Woodford County Extension office and hands-on activities will take place at UK’s nearby  C. Oran Little Research Center and on a local producer’s farm. 

During the first day, participants will break into small groups with an assigned set of calves. Students will then calculate the amount of forage their calves need for a 24-hour period.  At the research farm, students will estimate the available forage in the pasture, and set up a paddock using temporary fencing and water that provides enough forage for the 24-hour period. Cattle will then graze the paddocks. Attendees will observe and report on their paddocks to the entire class near the end of day two. Also in groups, participants will design a grazing system for a local producer’s farm and share their designs with everyone. 

Participation is limited to 45 people and is filled on a first come, first served basis. The cost to attend is $60 per person and includes all educational materials, grazing manuals, breaks and lunch both days. Sept. 17 is the registration deadline.  

Individuals can register online at www.2021fallgrazingschool.eventbrite.com or mail registration and a check payable to the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council to Carrie Thrailkill, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, 348 University Drive, Princeton, KY, 42445. 

Program sponsors include the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council, UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, Kentucky Master Grazer Educational Program and Kentucky Beef Network.