Do you own grazing livestock? When’s the last time you soil tested, limed and fertilized? What is the proper height for you to graze your fields? How long should pastures rest between grazing events? How can you extend your grazing days and store less forage for winter? If you aren’t sure how to answer these questions, we have a program we’d love for you to join us for.
In 2016 the UGA Forage Team partnered with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to develop a program designed to teach clients everything they need to know about pasture and forage management. UGA GrassMasters is a 7-week program providing a comprehensive introduction of forage management to prepare clients for more advanced programs like the UGA Grazing School. The program targets individuals who have beginner to intermediate levels of knowledge on forage management, and emphasizes those who wish to own grazing livestock or specialize in hay production.
UGA GrassMasters will be held at the Lincoln County Agriculture Center on Thursdays from August 18th to September 29th at 6PM. Presentations will include an introduction to the series and discussion of tall fescue, endophyte toxicity, and ways of managing and renovating infested tall fescue pastures. Grazing options will offer an overview of forage species available in Georgia and how to decide between species, while the hay production session will discuss how to manage forage specifically for cutting and baling. Fertilization and pest management will also be discussed, as managing soil fertility for optimal growth and identifying and managing pest issues can be critical for production. Finally, conservation will be emphasized with the rainfall simulator session showing the difference in well managed vs poorly managed fields.
If you are interested in owning grazing livestock like cattle, small ruminants, and horses, one of the most important things for you to learn is how to properly manage pastures and forage resources. In Georgia, it’s estimated that 60-70% of the expense of owning livestock can be attributed to feed and forage costs. We invite you to join us this fall for the UGA GrassMasters program. Registration is $25 per person and includes all printed materials. Please register by August 5th by contacting our office at 706-359-3233 or uge3181@uga.edu.
