Success StoryReorganizing the Kentucky Beginning Grazing School



Reorganizing the Kentucky Beginning Grazing School

Author: Christopher Teutsch

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Forages

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Kentucky Beginning Grazing School was established in 1996.  This two-day workshop provides new livestock producers with critical skills needed for designing and implementing a rotational grazing system. The curriculum has remained much the same for the past 28 years. In 2024, we redesigned the Kentucky Beginning Grazing School to focus on topics that would enable new and beginning graziers to have success. Topics covered included setting sustainable stocking rates, forage identification, pasture condition scoring, watering system design and installation, forage plant growth and grazing management, hay sampling and testing, and soil sampling and fertility, opportunities for financial assistance and using temporary fencing.  Hands on activities and demonstrations include using temporary fencing and water to to subdivide larger pastures, soil sampling pastures and hayfields, hay sampling and testing, and forage plant ID. This year’s program has more than 60 participants.  In a post-school survey, 97% of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that one or more of the management practices that they learned would increase the profitability of their operation. Participant comments included “excellent class”, “everything was amazing”, “enjoyed plant ID”, “really enjoyed school and will keep my binder for future use”, “hay sampling, soil sampling and grain drill calibration were nice”, and “enjoyed the real-world application and research based classes together”. 

 






Stories by Christopher Teutsch


Reorganizing the Kentucky Beginning Grazing School

about 4 months ago by Christopher Teutsch

The Kentucky Beginning Grazing School was established in 1996. This two-day workshop provides new li... Read More


Securing Kentucky’s Livestock

about 4 months ago by Christopher Teutsch

Implementing improved grazing management requires high quality fencing. Working with the Kentucky Fo... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023

Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023

about 4 months ago by Jimmy Henning

Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023Specialists Involved: Jimmy Henning, Chris Teutsc... Read More


Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

about 4 months ago by Jimmy Henning

Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred FarmS... Read More


Stories by Forages


Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023

Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023

about 4 months ago by Jimmy Henning

Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023Specialists Involved: Jimmy Henning, Chris Teutsc... Read More


Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

about 4 months ago by Jimmy Henning

Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred FarmS... Read More