UK Forage Group Establishes Teaching Pastures at Locust Trace AgriScience Center

Specialists and Staff Involved: Krista Lea, Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith and Gabriel Roberts

In late summer of 2020, Specialists from the UK Forage Group were approached about improving the horse pastures at the Locust Trace AgriScience Center, a unique high school in Fayette County Kentucky where students learn about the equine industry and related businesses. Students develop knowledge and skills related to the handling, grooming, and barn care of horses. Students then choose one of the following specializations: horsemanship or business in the equine industry.

Pastures were in very poor condition and dominated by annual and perennial weeds with very little of the desirable cool season grasses needed for good horse pasture. The UK Forage Group recommended a complete kill and replant of these pastures. In a cooperative effort, these pastures were reseeded during the fall of 2020. These pastures were very successfully converted to ‘Lacefield’, a variety of novel or non-toxic tall fescue. These pastures will provide a hands on learning opportunity for students at Locust Trace.