100 - Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Systems
Title
Master Grazer 2006
Impact Statement
Pendleton County farmers are looking to improve their forage basic grazing system as a result of not raising tobacco. Education efforts by District 3 counties to conduct a Master Grazer program on pasture production and utilization to help producers make better use of their forage systems. The program was held in different locations around the district. A total of 100 producers have attended this training. Five Pendleton Countians have completed this program. Practice changes were evaluated by pre and post surveys. Then a follow-up survey was sent. Survey results show: Farmers are dividing pastures to rotations graze. Renovating pastures with legumes, stockpiling legumes, improving their mineral program, and adding new water systems. One of the highlights of the program was it was taught by agents in the district. I taught the section in all locations on forage related disorders in livestock and mineral for grazing. As a result, I have had several calls from other counties on mineral programs. This shows that the grazing school format with agents doing the teaching improves agent’s credibility among farmers a great deal.