Participants at the Purdue University Crop Diagnostic Training and Research Center’s Forage Management Day will focus on skills necessary to implement and improve pasture management systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to assess what should be done to enhance the soil fertility, forage composition, water distribution and fencing of a beef cattle farm located three miles from the Diagnostic Center.
Prior to traveling to the farm, participants will receive instruction on how to utilize soil survey information and topographical maps for learning more about the soil resource and where fencing, water, hay storage, a corral and other buildings might best be placed.
By interacting with the landowner and visiting the farm where improvements are to be made, participants through group interaction will develop a pasture management plan that will be presented to the landowners and among the different groups.
Instructors: Keith Johnson, Purdue University Forage Specialist and Susannah Hinds, NRCS Grazing Specialist
| Agenda: |
| space |
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9:00 |
Registration |
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9:30 |
Welcome and objectives of the day |
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9:45 |
Use of the Web Soil Survey and topographical maps |
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10:30 |
Forage and weed identification (outside) |
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11:30 |
Understanding soil fertility tests |
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12:00 |
Lunch and objectives of farm landowners (Robert and Margaret Coon) |
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12:45 |
Travel to case farm |
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1:00 |
Assessing pasture conditions; pest presence (scouting) and fertility issues (& recommendations), and layout of fence, water distribution, hay storage, and corral positions. |
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3:00 |
Travel back to and break |
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3:15 |
Small group activity - Developing recommendations and presenting group reports |
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4:30 |
Survey and adjourn |
Continuing Education:
Applying for: CEU’s (1.5 PM, 1.0 CM, 2.0 SW, 1.5 NM)
Applying for: Indiana CCH’s (2.0 for category 1 & RT)
