A major emphasis this year has been on improving livestock management within the county.  The goal this year has been focused on improved grazing strategies and pasture utilization.  To accomplish ths, the Bath County Extension office participated in a number of educational programs focused on grazing and promoted a number of statewide efforts on the subject.  The All About Beef program  was conducted early on to act as a mini master cattlemen with limited sessions focused on beef production.  The evaluations from this program helped identify areas of focus for our producers the remainder of the year.  Evaluations from the All About Beef program identified minerals and grazing as some of the areas producers needed more information on.  To follow up on the all about beef program, the Bath County Field day was held on September 26 with 137 registered attendees.  The program consisted of 4 speakers with 3 of the four discussing hay,  pastures and grazing.  We looked at quality forage production, soil health related to grazing pressure, economics of grazing and rotational grazing design.  The fourth speaker discussed brood cow selection.  Evaluations of the program were taken up with participants giving the speakers and topics high scores.  Some remarks from the meeting were: great speakers and excellent knowledge.  Some suggestions for additional trainings included warm season grasses and wildlife encouragement.  Knowledge gained from the program include: how much nitrogen is removed with forage removal, johnsongrass can make good forage, how to use a grazing stick, amount of water held by healthy pastures, rotational grazing basics, the cost per cow per day for rotational grazing, the importance of brood cow condition, and treat you cattle like they are an employee.  Work this winter will look more at minerals and other nutritional factors for the beef animal.