Commodities: Field Crops: Forages

Georgia Grazing School - 2008

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service will host a grazing school on August 20-21st at the Bulloch County Center for Agriculture (Bulloch County Extension) in Statesboro. This two-day workshop will focus on soil fertility, forage crop establishment, plant growth, animal nutrient requirements, and management-intensive grazing.

		Training will take place in both classroom and field settings. Multiple classroom lectures addressing plant and grazing management will be combined with local farm visits to nearby grazing dairy and beef operations. Demonstrations of fencing and watering options will highlight valuable management practices for livestock producers. Click here for the agenda.
Cost of the two day program is $150 and includes lunches, breaks, a grazing school handbook, a forage and weed ID handbook, and a copy of Southern Forages 4th Edition textbook. Participants are responsible for lodging. Registration is limited to 35 participants; accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Topics Covered in the Classroom

Forage yield, distribution, and quality
Soil fertility and nutrient cycling
Using organic and alternative fertilizer sources
Weed control and management strategies
Managing surplus forage
Supplementing pasture-based nutrition

Manipulating forage growth and animal behavior
Grazing systems, methods, and design
Fencing, water, and shade system considerations
Pasture condition scoring
Economics of managed grazing systems

Hands-On Learning Experiences

Participants will visit two farms practicing managed grazing in the Statesboro/East Georgia area. In addition to learning how these operations are successfully using sound grazing principles, there will be several hands-on learning experiences. Topics addressed in the field will be:

Paddock planning exercise
Electric fence system design
In-pasture cooling systems

Pasture composition and scoring exercise
Estimating available forage

Registration

Registration for the conference is required because of limited space. We now have a web-based registration system that can accept credit/debit card payments via a secure website, but mail-in registrations paying by check will also be processed. To register, visit the conference registration website here, the College's Conference Office (http://www.areg.caes.uga.edu/), or print off this registration form. Regisration is limited to the first 35 participants and is offered on a "First Come, First Served" basis. Spaces fill up fast, so register as soon as possible. The registration deadline is August 15. (UGA Extension Agents seeking to register should contact Carla Wood at (706) 583-0347.)

Agenda

Click here for the agenda. (printer-friendly format)

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