April 10, 2008

Workshop aims to help producers get pastures back into shape

"Our goal is to help producers manage their land for increased productivity," said Roy Ballard, Purdue University Extension educator in Hancock County and program coordinator. "Last summer’s drought left pastures thin and spotty with the loss of high quality forage grasses and plants, which leaves room for weeds to invade."

The workshop, which will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m., is the last in a three-part series to help producers return pasture and hay land back to peak productivity. Preregistration for the free workshop is requested by calling the Purdue Extension office in Hancock County at (317) 462-1113. Site details will be given to participants upon preregistration. More information about the workshop is available at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/Hancock/08%20pasture%20renovation%20brochure.pdf.

Participants will learn to identify weed and forage species on a pasture walk at the Elvin Thomas Farm.

"Weeds can be controlled by implementing a variety of management techniques including proper grazing management, maintaining adequate soil fertility levels, mowing and herbicide application," said Robert Zupancic, grazing specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and featured speaker. "Ideal soil fertility levels will have a pH above 6.5 and potassium and phosphorus levels will be moderately high.

"Growers that aren’t sure what their soil fertility levels are need to have a soil test done. They can do it themselves or have a local fertilizer dealer take the sample and send it to a certified laboratory for results."

A list of certified commercial laboratories that offer plant and soil testing analysis for growers is available on the Purdue Agronomy Extension Web site at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/soiltest.html.

Workshop topics will include the stocking rate or the number of livestock a pasture will support, rotational grazing techniques, and paddock design.

In addition to paddock design, Zupancic will highlight pasture management throughout the year and how to develop the infrastructure needed to support rotational grazing with fencing and watering options. He also will highlight U.S. Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs available to livestock producers.

Purdue Extension sponsors the workshop series.

Writer:  Julie Douglas, (765) 496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Sources:  Roy Ballard, (317) 462-1113, rballard@purdue.edu

Robert Zupancic, (812) 346-3411 ext.118, robert.zupancic@in.usda.gov

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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