Contributors: Chris Teutsch, Morgan Hayes, and Joshua Jackson, University of Kentucky

Implementing improved grazing management requires high quality fencing.  Working with the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council and private industry representatives, we designed and implemented the Kentucky Fencing School in 2018.  In this reporting period, we held four fencing schools with than 120 total participants.  These programs focused on the proper installation of modern fencing technologies including fixed knot woven wire and electrified smooth high tensile fencing. The workshops are a unique mixture of classroom sessions and hands-on learning tailored for livestock producers.  In a post-meeting survey, 100% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they would implement one or more of the practices that they learned. All respondents also felt that the training was a good value in terms of their time and money spent attending and would recommend this workshop to other producers or colleagues. Survey comments included “very informative and practical”, “excellent…saved me money and time”, “A+ training”, and “great material in binders”.  Presentations from these schools were recorded and posted on the KYForages YouTube Channel where they have received more than 2,500 views.