By Mark Mauldin
Everyone who has grazing livestock needs to understand the fundamental principles of forage production. Photo credit: Doug Mayo
Making the grass grow is not as simple or easy as many of us would like it to be. Even so, it is essential to successful livestock operations. Anyone who has grazing livestock needs to understand the fundamental principles of forage production. Whether you are providing forage for one horse or 1,000 cows the fundamental principles are the same. In an effort to help livestock producers gain a better understanding of the these principles UF/IFAS Extension, Washington County is presenting a three part series entitled Principles of Pasture Productivity. This series will examine some of the key principles of pasture management including;
- Pasture Fertility – Soil testing, Fertilizer Selection & Application, Balancing Forage Quality, Quantity & Nutrient Demands
- Grazing Management – Causes of Pasture Decline, Rotational Grazing Systems, Integration of Multiple Forage Species
- Weed Control – Integrated Pest Management System, Basics of Pasture Herbicides, Efficient Herbicide Application
These topics will be presented in a practical, “how-to” style with consideration given to the varying sizes and management goals of local livestock operations.
Principles of Pasture Productivity will be held from 6-8pm on three consecutive Thursday evenings at the Washington County Agricultural Center in Chipley.
- Session 1 – Thursday, May 21st
- Session 2 – Thursday, May 28th
- Session 3 – Thursday, June 4th
There is a $10 per person registration fee for the series, this fee covers all three sessions. Light refreshments will be available during the sessions. For questions or to register for the series please contact UF/IFAS Extension, Washington County Office; 850-638-6180, mdm83@ufl.edu. Advanced registration is appreciated. Extension programs are open to everyone, if you need special accommodations contact the extension office at least one week prior to the event.
Source:ufl.edu