Final report for LNE20-397
Project Information
Continuous grazing is typically defined as a one-pasture system in which livestock have unrestricted access to the entire pasture area throughout the grazing season. Although it is a simple system to implement and manage, it often results in uneven grazing patterns where parts of the field are under or overgrazed. This in turn leads to poorer forage quality, a loss of ground cover in overgrazed areas, the emergence of weeds and undesirable plants, and a decrease in stand production and longevity. In comparison, rotational grazing practices are known to improve forage production and yield potential, increase forage quality and the persistence of desirable species, and decrease weed and erosion problems. As a result, rotational grazing systems can offer economic and environmental benefits in the form of increased carrying capacity, greater animal production per acre, prolonged grazing days, a reduction in hay feeding, faster recovery, and decreased nutrient runoff. However, many Maryland livestock producers have not adopted these best management practices and continue to utilize continuous grazing systems. Reasons for the lack of implementation may include a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of rotational grazing, a resistance to change, or a misunderstanding regarding the time and resources needed to implement rotational grazing.
The project team proposed that educational programming on the benefits and strategies behind rotational grazing together with assistance in designing a personalized, farm-specific rotational grazing system would help increase adaptation of these best management practices. To accomplish this, a series of field days and grazing schools were held annually across the state of Maryland. These educational events covered a wide variety of topics related to pasture and grazing management and were hosted at demonstration sites where producers could see successful implementation of the grazing practices described firsthand. In addition to these educational programs, producers who were committed to implementing or bettering their rotational grazing practices were also enrolled in an individualized on-farm grazing program. This program entailed in-person farm visits, at which experts assisted with collecting and analyzing soil and pasture samples, completing a pasture assessment, addressing questions and concerns, and designing a personalized grazing plan.
Attendance at field days and grazing schools were measured and exceeded 600 participants across the 3-year timespan. Following each event, participants were asked to fill out program evaluations to indicate learning gains and post-program outcomes. Feedback was very positive; responses indicated that 96% of participants found the information useful in the management of their operation and 98% noted an improvement in their ability to make informed decisions regarding their operation. The completed program evaluations also demonstrated an increase in knowledge gained by participants. Respondents were asked to rate their knowledge of the subject(s) before and after the program using a Likert scale (1 = very little to 5 = very much). The average Likert rating was greater after program completion (average ± SD; 3.81 ± 0.7) compared with before (2.36 ± 1.1). Most notably, 95% of respondents stated that they planned to make at least one change in their operation based on the information presented/learned at the event. Last but not least, 18 livestock farms managing over 650 acres of pastureland participated in the individualized grazing program. The project team worked one-on-one with these farms to help them improve their grazing management, increasing implementation of grazing best management practices the growing the number of acres utilized as rotationally grazed pasture throughout the state of Maryland.
As a result of grazing education and on-farm guidance, 20 livestock farms will implement rotational grazing on at least 30 acres, resulting in 600 acres of rotationally grazed pasture and an improvement in net farm income due to increased forage productivity, quality, and carrying capacity and improved soil fertility.
Rotational grazing systems can offer economic and environmental benefits in the form of increased carrying capacity, greater animal production per acre, prolonged grazing days, a reduction in hay feeding, faster recovery, and decreased nutrient runoff. However, many Maryland livestock producers have not adopted these best management practices and continue to utilize continuous grazing systems. Reasons for the lack of implementation are not limited to but may include a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of rotational grazing, a resistance to change, or a misunderstanding regarding the time and resources needed to implement rotational grazing. That said, the number of livestock producers interested in rotational grazing is increasing, along with the number of new and beginning producers. As a result, there is not only a need but also a desire for educational programming and assistance for producers looking to implement these practices. The goal behind this project was to provide a combination of diverse educational programming and individualized, farm-specific assistance in order to increase adaptation of grazing best management practices like rotational grazing. To accomplish this, a series of field days, pasture walks, and grazing schools were hosted across the state of Maryland. In addition, producers looking for more specific guidance were able to enroll in an individualized on-farm grazing program, at which experts assisted with collecting and analyzing soil and pasture samples, completing a detailed pasture assessment, addressing questions and concerns, and designing a personalized grazing plan. Through this approach, the project team worked to improve grazing management practices and increase the number of acres utilized as rotationally grazed pasture throughout the state of Maryland.
Cooperators
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Research
Education
This project included a multi-part educational plan consisting of field days, grazing schools, and on-farm pasture assessment visits. Each of these components were designed to be in-person, hands-on learning activities. Altogether, the educational activities reached a total of 689 producers from 2021 through 2023.
From 2021 through 2023, a total of 23 educational field days were hosted at various locations across the state of Maryland. These field days were relatively informal, field-based events. A few of the field days were hosted at University research and education centers, at which participants rotated through several learning stations each covering a different topic pertaining to grazing or pasture management. Other field days were hosted on actual producer farms, allowing for more peer-to-peer learning and providing attendees with real-life examples of good grazing management from working farms. Topics that were covered varied from event to event but included soil health and fertility, weed control options, pasture evaluation and assessment, grazing management, managing forage supplies, tall fescue management, planting considerations, forage quality, pasture renovation, stockpiling pasture, silvopasture, winter forage options, and grazing alternative forages like annual forages and corn stalks.
In the fall each year (2021-2023), two 2-day grazing schools were held at different locations across Maryland. These schools offered a more intensive and in-depth education on pasture management, grazing practices, farm economics, and farm profitability. Class size for the grazing schools was limited to a maximum of 30 participants to better facilitate hands-on opportunities and give producers a chance to work with different grazing tools and experiment with implementing some of the practices learned. Participants were also supplied with a 'grazing school manual' containing printed publications, handouts, and examples of tools for things like completing a pasture assessment. As part of the school, participants also had an opportunity to meet with an instructor to begin developing (or further develop) a customized grazing plan for their farm. Examples of topics covered in the grazing schools included pasture management, assessing pasture and soil health, forage identification and selection, pasture allocation, fencing and watering options, extending the grazing season, soil health and fertility, forage quality, meeting livestock nutritional needs, designing a rotational grazing system, grazing economics, and increasing farm profitability.
Finally, a total of 18 farms were enrolled and participated in the pasture management program. Though this program, Extension educators conducted an individualized farm visit to each of the enrolled farms. At the farm visit, producers were asked to share current and future grazing goals and educators discussed methods through which the producer could begin to improve pasture or grazing management on their farm. A pasture-based farm assessment was completed at each visit; this assessment included collection of soil and pasture samples for analysis, a pasture composition and stand assessment, a pasture yield assessment, and forage and weed identification. Following the farm visits, farms were sent a binder containing their individualized analysis results, a summary of proposed plans and recommendations for their farm, and other supplemental information and educational material as requested. Each enrolled farm was also given the opportunity to attend one of the 2-day grazing schools at no cost.
Milestones
Producers will participate in one of the year one educational field days to learn more about specific topics pertaining to rotational grazing and pasture management and have opportunities to see these practices in action. As a result they can adopt at least one new best management practice on their farm.
150
6
128
8
December 31, 2020
Completed
December 31, 2021
A total of 5 educational field days were hosted at various locations across the state of Maryland during the summer of 2021. Specific field days included an Equine Pasture Field Day (held June 22 and June 29 at two separate locations), a Small Ruminant Pasture Field Day (Aug 12), an Equine Pasture Renovation Field Day (Aug 17), and a Living with Fescue Field Day (Aug 24). Each of these field days were relatively informal, field-based events at which participants rotated through several learning stations each covering a different topic pertaining to grazing management. Examples of topics covered varied from event to event but included soil health and fertility, weed control options, pasture evaluation and assessment, grazing management, tall fescue management, planting considerations, pasture forage quality, and pasture renovation. A total of 128 participants attended the field days, which were taught by a team of 8 Extension educators.
Producers will take their grazing education one step further by attending one of the year one grazing schools to continue to expand on their knowledge and have opportunities to gain hands-on experience implementing these practices in a small group setting. As a result they will initiate a grazing plan for their farm and implement the use of at least one new pasture management tool or best management practice on their farm.
60
6
51
7
December 31, 2020
Completed
December 31, 2021
In the fall of 2021, two 2-day grazing schools were held at two locations in Maryland. Both schools offered a more intensive and in-depth education for participants, with each taking a slightly different focus. The first grazing school focused more on pasture and grazing management and took place in Upper Marlboro, MD on Sept 23-24. The second grazing school focused more on grazing economics and farm profitability and took place in Keedysville, MD on Oct 14-15. Class size for both schools was limited to a maximum of 30 participants to better facilitate hands-on opportunities and small group discussion and to give producers a chance to work with different grazing tools and experiment with implementing some of the practices learned. Participants were also supplied with a 'grazing school manual' containing printed publications, handouts, and examples of tools for things like completing a pasture assessment. Opportunities were also provided for producers to meet with an instructor to begin developing a customized grazing plan for their farm. Examples of topics covered in the grazing schools included pasture management, assessing pasture and soil health, forage identification and selection, pasture allocation, fencing and watering options, extending the grazing season, soil health and fertility, forage quality, designing a rotational grazing system, grazing economics, and increasing farm profitability. A total of 51 participants attended the grazing schools, which were taught by a team of 7 Extension educators and agricultural service providers.
Producers will be enrolled in the first year of the individualized grazing program which will provide them with an opportunity to interact one-on-one with experts on their farm. As a result they will complete a full pasture assessment, take soil and forage samples, and generate a detailed grazing plan with recommendations and strategies specific to their own farm.
10
4
10
10
December 31, 2020
Completed
December 31, 2021
A total of 10 farms across 8 different counties were enrolled in the pasture management program for 2021. Though this program, Extension educators conducted an individualized farm visit to each of the enrolled farms. Each of the farm visits included the project PI along with an Extension livestock specialist (based on species at a given farm) and at least one local county-based agent. At the farm visit, producers were asked to share current and future grazing goals and educators discussed methods through which the producer could begin to improve pasture or grazing management on the farm. A pasture-based farm assessment was completed at each visit; this assessment included collection of soil and pasture samples for analysis, a pasture composition and stand assessment, a pasture yield assessment, and forage and weed identification. Following the farm visits, each farm was sent a binder containing their individualized analysis results, a summary of proposed plans and recommendations for their farm, and other supplemental information and educational material as requested. Each enrolled farm was also given the opportunity to attend one of the 2-day grazing schools at no cost. In total, the 2021 farms encompassed a total of 262 acres of pasture and included a combination of beef, sheep, equine, and mixed species operations.
The producers enrolled in the first year of the individualized grazing program will complete a follow-up visit in the year following their initial farm visit. As a result they will have an opportunity to complete a follow-up pasture assessment, measure progress made in the past year, and discuss challenges and questions that have come up and how those might be overcome for future years.
10
4
10
10
December 31, 2021
Incomplete
During 2023, two of the key collaborators on this project ended up leaving their University positions to pursue other roles elsewhere. This, combined with our initial delay in getting out to the on-farm visits due to the pandemic and also the fact that implementing meaningful larger-scale, whole-farm changes takes an incredible amount of time for producers, meant that the project team did not make it back for in-person follow-up visits to farms enrolled in the individualized grazing program. However, the project team has continued to communicate with the producers involved in this portion of the project and has been able to follow up with the producers and answer questions, address concerns, provide additional advice, etc. through a combination of phone and email communications. Many of the producers enrolled in this portion of the project have also continued to grow their knowledge and further connect with the project team by attending additional pasture walks, field days, and/or grazing schools. One of the farms ended up hosting an on-farm pasture walk with the project team in 2023, one worked with the project team to submit a farmer grant to implement a rotational grazing system, one worked to make improvements in grazing management and address parasite concerns on pasture, and another is currently working with the project team to develop a small group, discussion-based regular meet up for producers moving forward. Overall, the individualized grazing program part of this project served as a great way to connect the project team to producers across the state wanting additional guidance related to grazing management, and that relationship has continued and will continue moving forward beyond the life of this grant.
Producers will participate in one of the year two educational field days to learn more about specific topics pertaining to rotational grazing and pasture management and have opportunities to see these practices in action. As a result they can adopt at least one new best management practice on their farm.
150
6
176
12
December 31, 2021
Completed
December 31, 2022
A total of 9 educational field days were hosted at various locations across the state of Maryland during 2022. Each of these field days were relatively informal, field-based events. Some field days were hosted at University research and education centers, at which participants rotated through several learning stations each covering a different topic pertaining to grazing management. Examples of topics covered varied from event to event but included soil health and fertility, weed control options, pasture evaluation and assessment, grazing management, forage quality, pasture renovation, and grazing alternative forages like corn stalks. Other field days were hosted on actual producer farms, allowing for more peer-to-peer learning and providing attendees with real-life examples of good grazing management from working farms. Examples of topics covered depended on the host farm but included pasture management, finishing livestock on forage, grazing summer annuals, extending the grazing season, and multi-species grazing. A total of 176 participants attended the field days, which were taught by a team of 12 Extension educators.
Producers will take their grazing education one step further by attending one of the year two grazing schools to continue to expand on their knowledge and have opportunities to gain hands-on experience implementing these practices in a small group setting. As a result they will initiate a grazing plan for their farm and implement the use of at least one new pasture management tool or best management practice on their farm.
60
6
45
9
December 31, 2021
Completed
December 31, 2022
In the fall of 2022, two 2-day grazing schools were held at two locations in Maryland. Both schools offered a more intensive and in-depth education for participants, with each taking a slightly different focus. The first grazing school focused more on pasture and grazing management and took place in Poolesville, MD on Sept 29-30. The second grazing school focused more on grazing economics and farm profitability and took place in Keedysville, MD on Oct 20-21. Class size for both schools was limited to a maximum of 30 participants to better facilitate hands-on opportunities and small group discussion and to give producers a chance to work with different grazing tools and experiment with implementing some of the practices learned. Participants were also supplied with a 'grazing school manual' containing printed publications, handouts, and examples of tools for things like completing a pasture assessment. Opportunities were also provided for producers to meet with an instructor to begin developing (or further develop) a customized grazing plan for their farm. Examples of topics covered in the grazing schools included pasture management, assessing pasture and soil health, forage identification and selection, pasture allocation, fencing and watering options, extending the grazing season, soil health and fertility, forage quality, designing a rotational grazing system, grazing economics, and increasing farm profitability. A total of 45 participants attended the grazing schools, which were taught by a team of 9 Extension educators and agricultural service providers.
Producers will be enrolled in the second year of the individualized grazing program which will provide them with an opportunity to interact one-on-one with experts on their farm. As a result they will complete a full pasture assessment, take soil and forage samples, and generate a detailed grazing plan with recommendations and strategies specific to their own farm.
10
4
8
7
December 31, 2021
Completed
November 30, 2023
In 2022, a total of 5 farms across 4 different counties were enrolled in the pasture management program. Though this program, Extension educators conducted an individualized farm visit to each of the enrolled farms. Each of the farm visits included the project PI along with an Extension livestock specialist (based on species at a given farm) and at least one local county-based agent. At the farm visit, producers were asked to share current and future grazing goals and educators discussed methods through which the producer could begin to improve pasture or grazing management on the farm. A pasture-based farm assessment was completed at each visit; this assessment included collection of soil and pasture samples for analysis, a pasture composition and stand assessment, a pasture yield assessment, and forage and weed identification. Following the farm visits, each farm was sent a binder containing their individualized analysis results, a summary of proposed plans and recommendations for their farm, and other supplemental information and educational material as requested. Each enrolled farm was also given the opportunity to attend one of the 2-day grazing schools at no cost. In total, the 2022 farms encompassed a total of 120 acres of pasture and included a combination of beef, small ruminant, equine, and mixed species operations.
Because the goal of 10 farms was not quite met for 2022, the project team continued to accept enrollment from additional farms into the beginning of 2023. In 2023, 3 additional farms across 3 counties were also enrolled in the pasture management program. Similar to previous years, Extension educators conducted an individualized farm visit to each of the enrolled farms. Each of the farm visits included the project PI along with an Extension livestock specialist (based on species at a given farm) and at least one local county-based agent. At the farm visit, producers were asked to share current and future grazing goals and educators discussed methods through which the producer could begin to improve pasture or grazing management on the farm. A pasture-based farm assessment was completed at each visit; this assessment included collection of soil and pasture samples for analysis, a pasture composition and stand assessment, a pasture yield assessment, and forage and weed identification. Following the farm visits, each farm was sent a binder containing their individualized analysis results, a summary of proposed plans and recommendations for their farm, and other supplemental information and educational material as requested. Each enrolled farm was also given the opportunity to attend one of the 2-day grazing schools at no cost. In total, the 2023 farms encompassed a total of 270 acres of pasture and included a combination of dairy and mixed species operations.
The producers enrolled in the second year of the individualized grazing program will complete a follow-up visit in the year following their initial farm visit. As a result they will have an opportunity to complete a follow-up pasture assessment, measure progress made in the past year, and discuss challenges and questions that have come up and how those might be overcome for future years.
10
4
8
7
December 31, 2022
Incomplete
During 2023, two of the key collaborators on this project ended up leaving their University positions to pursue other roles elsewhere. This, combined with our initial delay in getting out to the on-farm visits due to the pandemic and also the fact that implementing meaningful larger-scale, whole-farm changes takes an incredible amount of time for producers, meant that the project team did not make it back for in-person follow-up visits to farms enrolled in the individualized grazing program. However, the project team has continued to communicate with the producers involved in this portion of the project and has been able to follow up with the producers and answer questions, address concerns, provide additional advice, etc. through a combination of phone and email communications. Many of the producers enrolled in this portion of the project have also continued to grow their knowledge and further connect with the project team by attending additional pasture walks, field days, and/or grazing schools. One of the farms ended up hosting an on-farm pasture walk with the project team in 2023, one worked with the project team to submit a farmer grant to implement a rotational grazing system, one worked to make improvements in grazing management and address parasite concerns on pasture, and another is currently working with the project team to develop a small group, discussion-based regular meet up for producers moving forward. Overall, the individualized grazing program part of this project served as a great way to connect the project team to producers across the state wanting additional guidance related to grazing management, and that relationship has continued and will continue moving forward beyond the life of this grant.
Producers will participate in one of the year three educational field days to learn more about specific topics pertaining to rotational grazing and pasture management and have opportunities to see these practices in action. As a result they can adopt at least one new best management practice on their farm.
150
6
157
8
December 31, 2022
Completed
November 30, 2023
A total of 9 educational field days were hosted at various locations across the state of Maryland during 2023. Each of these field days were relatively informal, field-based events. Some field days were hosted at University research and education centers, at which participants rotated through several learning stations each covering a different topic pertaining to grazing management. Examples of topics covered varied from event to event but included pasture management, evaluating pasture condition, weed control options, managing forage supply, extending the grazing season using cover crops, and achieving quality gains on forage. Other field days were hosted on actual producer farms, allowing for more peer-to-peer learning and providing attendees with real-life examples of good grazing management from working farms. Examples of topics covered depended on the host farm but included pasture management, finishing livestock on forage, grazing annual forages, extending the grazing season, grass-based dairying, stockpiling forages, silvopasture, and winter forage options. A total of 157 participants attended the field days, which were taught by a team of 8 Extension educators.
Producers will take their grazing education one step further by attending one of the year three grazing schools to continue to expand on their knowledge and have opportunities to gain hands-on experience implementing these practices in a small group setting. As a result they will initiate a grazing plan for their farm and implement the use of at least one new pasture management tool or best management practice on their farm.
60
6
53
8
December 31, 2022
Completed
November 30, 2023
In the fall of 2023, two 2-day grazing schools were held at two locations in Maryland. Both schools offered a more intensive and in-depth education for participants, with each taking a slightly different focus. The first grazing school focused more on pasture and grazing management and took place in Keedysville, MD on Sept 21-22. The second grazing school focused more on grazing economics and farm profitability and took place in West Friendship, MD on Oct 12-13. Class size for both schools was limited to a maximum of 30 participants to better facilitate hands-on opportunities and small group discussion and to give producers a chance to work with different grazing tools and experiment with implementing some of the practices learned. Participants were also supplied with a 'grazing school manual' containing printed publications, handouts, and examples of tools for things like completing a pasture assessment. Opportunities were also provided for producers to meet with an instructor to begin developing (or further develop) a customized grazing plan for their farm. Examples of topics covered in the grazing schools included pasture management, assessing pasture and soil health, forage identification and selection, pasture allocation, fencing and watering options, extending the grazing season, soil health and fertility, forage quality, designing a rotational grazing system, grazing economics, and increasing farm profitability. A total of 53 participants attended the grazing schools, which were taught by a team of 8 Extension educators and agricultural service providers.
Milestone Activities and Participation Summary
Educational activities:
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Following each of the 29 educational field days and/or grazing schools held from 2021 through 2023, participants were asked to fill out a program evaluation form. The evaluation form varied slightly depending on the event but was set up as a brief 1-2 page questionnaire containing questions on program quality, program satisfaction, usefulness of the information provided, knowledge gains, and anticipated outcomes based on the information presented/learned. Participants were also asked what they liked or disliked about the program and were provided an opportunity to make comments or suggestions for improvements or to indicate future topics of interest. Of the 610 producers who attended the field days and/or grazing schools, 157 completed program evaluation forms were received (26% response rate).
Feedback was very positive, with 100% of respondents stating that the subject matter was presented clearly. Across all of the events, 97% of respondents stated that the program met their expectations, and 96% were satisfied with the handouts or material provided. Responses indicated that 96% of participants found the information useful in the management of their operation and 98% also noted an improvement in their ability to make informed decisions regarding their operation.
When participants were asked what they liked most about the program, comments made by participants included:
- 'well explained, great casual and non-judgmental'
- 'speakers were very knowledgeable and approachable'
- 'the hands-on worksheets were very helpful'
- 'tons of great info and useful handouts'
- 'rich range of practical information'
- 'the examples of real operations and group discussion'
- 'alternating between lectures/talks and outdoor activities, I loved that each activity was related to the preceding talk'
- 'the connection and group discussions'
- 'the topics covered, the smaller amount of people and being able to ask questions, speakers were extremely knowledgeable'
The completed program evaluations also demonstrated an increase in knowledge gained by participants. Respondents were asked to rate their knowledge of the subject(s) before and after the program using a Likert scale (1 = very little to 5 = very much). The average Likert rating was greater after program completion (average ± SD; 3.81 ± 0.7) compared with before (2.36 ± 1.1). Most notably, 95% of respondents stated that they planned to make at least one change in their operation based on the information presented/learned at the event.
Performance Target Outcomes
Target #1
20
Following grazing education and the generation of individual grazing plans at on-farm visits, producers will implement best management practices for rotational grazing on their farm.
A minimum of 20 livestock farms will implement rotational grazing on at least 30 acres, resulting in 600 acres of rotationally grazed pasture.
Producers will each adopt at least two new best management practices for rotational grazing. These best management practices will increase forage productivity and quality, extend the grazing season and increase pasture carrying capacity, and improve soil fertility, resulting in an overall improvement in net farm income.
4
Hosted an on-farm pasture walk showcasing grazing management best practices; submitted a farmer grant to implement rotational grazing on farm; worked to make improvements in grazing management and address parasite concerns on pasture and has also joined the project team's ongoing parasite management project; in the process of developing a regular small-group meet up and discussion group for producers to connect
These 4 farms are rotationally grazing on approximately 138 acres of pasture
Best management practices implemented by these producers have increased forage productivity and quality, extended the grazing season, improved soil fertility, and decreased parasite pressure in grazing livestock. Producers have also been able to better connect with the project team and with other producers in their region.
Due to the initial delay in getting in-person programming for this project started as a result of the COVID19 pandemic, hosting field days and grazing schools for this project was initially delayed by a year. As a result, our 3 years of field days and grazing schools were conducted in 2021-2023 rather than 2020-2022 as originally planned. This delay meant that we just wrapped up the last of the field days and grazing schools in the fall of 2023. As a result, we ran out of time to complete the follow-up surveys that we intended to send to all field day and grazing school participants to document and verify outcome data as a result of the programming for this project. Program evaluation surveys that were completed by participants immediately following attendance at field days and/or grazing schools showed evidence of learning gains due to program participation, and 95% of participants stated that they planned to make at least one change to their operation based on information learned. However, we have been unable to follow up with these participants to verify evidence of actual changes. That said, the project team still plans to follow up with program participants and complete these follow-up surveys in 2024, and would be happy to report back with results once those are completed.
As described earlier, the initial delay in getting out to the on-farm visits due to the pandemic and also the fact that implementing meaningful larger-scale, whole-farm changes takes an incredible amount of time for producers, meant that the project team did not make it back for in-person follow-up visits to farms enrolled in the individualized grazing program. As a result, verification data that was to be collected at these follow-up visits was unfortunately not obtained. However, the project team has continued to communicate with the producers involved in this portion of the project and has been able to follow up with the producers and answer questions, address concerns, provide additional advice, etc. through a combination of phone and email communications. Many of the producers enrolled in this portion of the project have also continued to grow their knowledge and further connect with the project team by attending additional pasture walks, field days, and/or grazing schools. One of the farms ended up hosting an on-farm pasture walk with the project team in 2023, one worked with the project team to submit a farmer grant to implement a rotational grazing system, one worked to make improvements in grazing management and address parasite concerns on pasture, and another is currently working with the project team to develop a small group, discussion-based regular meet up for producers moving forward. Overall, the individualized grazing program part of this project served as a great way to connect the project team to producers across the state wanting additional guidance related to grazing management, and that relationship has continued and will continue moving forward beyond the life of this grant.
Additional Project Outcomes
As a result of the educational activities conducted through this project, 7 new working collaborations have been established between University of Maryland Extension personnel and other University Extension services and/or agricultural service providers. This has helped develop more regional and multi-entity collaborations that have been and will continue to be fruitful in furthering both educational programming and research efforts across the region. Three additional grants have been submitted to build upon this project, two of which have been funded and are in progress. Due to the positive feedback from the field days and grazing schools, the project team plans to continue these moving forward and is working together with collaborators to make that happen.
One other outcome that the project team has noted as a result of working on this project is the continued communication and relationships developed with producers that were a part of this project. As mentioned earlier, the project team has continued to communicate with a number of producers involved in this project and has developed relationships with producers and been able to follow up with producers and answer questions, address concerns, and provide additional advice, resources, etc. Many of the producers enrolled in this project have returned to attend additional pasture walks, field days, and/or grazing schools. One of the farms ended up hosting an on-farm pasture walk with the project team in 2023, one worked with the project team to submit a farmer grant to implement a rotational grazing system, one worked to make improvements in grazing management and address parasite concerns on pasture, and another is currently working with the project team to develop a small group, discussion-based regular meet up for producers moving forward. Overall, the project has served as a great way to connect the project team to producers across the state wanting additional guidance related to grazing management, and those relationships have continued and will continue moving forward beyond the life of this grant.
"Tons of great info and useful handouts" -Attendee of a pasture field day
"Great program, really appreciated!" -Attendee of a pasture field day
"Really appreciate this opportunity. Thanks for being willing to host something a little different." -Attendee of a Maryland Grazing School
"Excellent program with theory and hands-on components. All topics were excellent and the presenters were helpful in answering questions with practical experiences." -Attendee of a Maryland Grazing School
"I thought this was a great class! I'd love to attend another that covers the next step of these topics. The instructors were great!" -Attendee of a Maryland Grazing School
"This was awesome! Every speaker was amazing and well informed and the farm was a great host!" -Attendee of a Maryland Grazing School
"Fantastic! Every farmer should attend this course!" -Attendee of a Maryland Grazing School
Information Products
- Equine Operator Response to Field-Based Forage Education in Maryland (Conference/Presentation Material)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 1 (Principles of Pasture Management) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 2 (Pasture Assessment) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 3 (Forage Identification and Selection) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 4 (Fencing and Watering Options) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 5 (Pasture Allocation/Grazer's Math) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 6 (Extending the Grazing Season) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 7 (Matching Forage Quality with Animal Needs) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 8 (Soil Health and Fertility) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 9 (Economics of Grazing) (Manual/Guide)
- Grazing School Manual - Section 10 (Putting Together a Grazing System) (Manual/Guide)