Coordinator
804 W.P. Garrigus Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
40546-0215
(859) 257-7512
Faculty Coordinators:
Dr. Ray Smith
Extension Forage Specialist
University of Kentucky
Phone: (859) 257-3358 Fax: (859) 323-1952
Email: raysmith1@uky.edu
Dr. Donna Amaral-Phillips
Extension Dairy Cattle Specialist
University of Kentucky
Phone: (859) 257-7542 Fax: (859) 257-7537
Email: donna.amaral-phillips@uky.edu
Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
Extension Beef Cattle Specialist
University of Kentucky
Phone: (859) 257-2853 Fax: (859) 257-3412
Email: jeff.lehmkuhler@uky.edu
Dr. Garry Lacefield
Extension Forage Specialist
University of Kentucky
Phone: (270) 365-7541 202 Fax: (270) 365-2667
Email: glacefie@uky.edu
Accomplishments from the 2011 Master Grazer Program
Kentucky Grazing School
2 day intensive educational program on how to design and implement grazing systems
2 schools were conducted: Spring grazing school was held on April 13-14, 2011 in Princeton, KY and a fall grazing school was held on August 15-16, 2011 near Versailles, KY.
60 producers attended a grazing school this year representing over 2,364 livestock animals and 11,631 acres. In addition, at the fall grazing school industry representatives and UK Extension agents claim to impact over 24,800 animals and 45,200 acres throughout Kentucky.
Participants ran a variety of operations including cow/calf, stocker, dairy, sheep, bison, and finishing grass-fed beef.
Every participant indicated that their knowledge of the topics presented increased and all participants planned to make changes to their operation as a result of attending the program.
Grazing Networks
Multiple educational programs illustrating implementation of grazing practices and are designed to increase networking amongst producers
The Eden Shale Grazing Network held four successful pastures walks throughout the 2011 grazing season. Currently, 18 producers from 11 Kentucky counties are part of this grazing network.
The Western Kentucky Grazing Network held two pasture walks during 2011. Approximately 55 producers from 5 counties have attended a Western KY pasture walk. Mainly Todd, Trigg, and Christian counties were represented.
The Kentucky River Grazing network in Anderson and Woodford County will begin pasture walks in spring 2012.
There is interest in starting a grazing network in Elliot, Rowan, and Carter Counties.
The Grazing News Newsletter
The first Grazing Network Newsletter went out in July. This newsletter went out to those who have attended a grazing network pasture walk this year.
This 4-page, monthly newsletter is meant to provide timely information and ideas to Kentucky producers. It also includes upcoming events that might be of interest to the readers.
Four newsletters were sent out during the 2011 grazing season to approximately 80 households.
In 2012, the newsletter will change to Grazing News and will be distributed to a larger audience through county newsletters and releases and web access.
Master Grazer DVD
The DVD which includes topics that are covered in the grazing school has been through final revisions.
This DVD will be available to county agents and producers in the future.
Counties Represented in the Master Grazer Program in 2011
Anderson
Ballard
Barron
Boone
Bourbon-2
Boyle
Butler
Caldwell
Campbell
Carroll
Christian-13
Clark
Clay
Crittenden
Fayette-2
Franklin-3
Gallatin
Grant-3
Grayson
Hardin-3
Hopkins
Marion
Lee
Jessamine
have attended a grazing network pasture walk this year.
