@article{rogers_poore_shaeffer_weaver_siciliano_harmon_2024, title={Amazing Grazing webinar and workshop series improves producers understanding of pasture ecology}, volume={102}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skae019.010}, abstractNote={Abstract Grassland stewards are seeking a better understanding of the complex interactions occurring in their pastures. Information is readily available to assist producers but each farm provides its own unique challenges and opportunities. A diverse scope of knowledge and skills are required to build resilient grazing systems. To address this need Amazing Grazing conducted a webinar series (April 2023) followed by on-farm workshops in July/August 2023. Webinars were held on consecutive Wednesday evenings with 237 average number of registered attendees and 78 average number of actual participants. Topics covered during the first webinar were pasture ecology basics, plant growth principles, livestock forage demand and grazing management principles. The following week covered pasture layout and design, pasture renovation techniques and pasture soil health concepts. The final evening featured topics on electric fence basics, grazing systems for horses and small ruminants and a synopsis. NC Extension Livestock Agents assisted in the sight selection and execution of workshops (n = 8) that were held on working farms. These events provide the opportunity for hands-on instruction to demonstrate the concepts covered in the webinar series. Total workshop registration was 196, with 148 evaluations completed. Participants were 72% farmers, 1% extension agents, 10% Soil and Water Conservation District Employee, 7% NRCS employee and 10% other. The total number of pasture hectares grazed by participants was 3,217 with 1,257 ha as hay. Livestock inventories for attendees were 4,323 beef cattle, 1,366 sheep, 455 goats and 51 horses. Attendees were asked about their pre- and post- workshop knowledge (1 = Very Low; 5 = Very High) of topics presented. Participants indicated a knowledge gain (average pre = 2.78 and post = 3.91) in Concepts of Pastureland Ecology, Adaptive Management, Managing Nutrient Distribution, Pasture Renovation, Temporary Electric Fence, Troubleshooting Electric Fence and Pasture Plant Identification. Workshop impact was determined by asking attendees their post workshop intentions regarding management practices (1 = No, 2 = Maybe, 3 = Yes, 4 = Already Doing). Attendees plan to spending more time walking pasture to determine plant condition, learn more about soil, plant, animal and human interactions, increase use of temporary electric fence and adopt an adaptive management style (average score = 3.91). Continued workshop participation indicates the demand for hands-on education in these areas and that the on-farm format is an effective teaching environment.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Rogers, Johnny R. and Poore, Matt H. and Shaeffer, April D. and Weaver, Andrew R. and Siciliano, Paul and Harmon, Deidre D.}, year={2024}, month={Mar}, pages={7–8} } @article{huggins_poore_harmon_2024, title={Cotton gin byproduct in growing diets for beef steers}, volume={102}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skae234.569}, abstractNote={Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef cattle during the stocker phase when fed different concentrations of cotton gin byproduct (CGB). Angus steers [n = 50; initial body weight (BW) = 349 ± 66 kg) were stratified by BW and grouped in slatted floor pens (10 steers/pen). Steers were assigned randomly within pen (2 per pen) to one of five diets containing 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB (dry matter basis). Diets were balanced for protein and energy, and the steers were fed for 84 d. Steers were weighed on d -1, 0, 28, 56, 83, and 84 for the stocker phase with d -1 and 0, 83 and 84 averaged to give start and end BW. Following the growing period, steers were switched to the same finishing diet and fed for an additional 55 d prior to being transported to PA for harvest and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using procMIXED of SASv9.4 to determine the significance of linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic trends. During the growing phase, dry matter intake increased linearly (P = 0.0017) with 10.16, 11.23, 11.59, 11.86, and 11.96 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Average daily gain tended to increase (P = 0.0631) with a cubic trend, increasing with the first addition of CGB, declining at the intermediate levels, and then increasing again at the 40% level (1.34, 1.54, 1.36, 1.39, and 1.52 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively). Feed efficiency showed a similar cubic trend (P = 0.10) with 0.133, 0.138, 0.119, 0.117, and 0.128 for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Within the finishing phase, average daily gain was significant (P = 0.026) as a quadratic trend with 1.54, 1.25, 1.18, 1.20, and 1.33 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Diets did not differ (P > 0.10) for dry matter intake (10.08 kg/d), feed conversion (8.31), or feed efficiency (0.130). Treatment did not influence (P > 0.10) marbling or other carcass measurements. Data suggest CGB supported good animal gains with only minor impact on feed intake and feed efficiency for stocker steers up to an inclusion rate of 40%.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Huggins, Michael J. and Poore, Matt H. and Harmon, Deidre}, year={2024}, month={Sep}, pages={503–503} } @article{poore_shaeffer_rogers_weaver_siciliano_harmon_2024, title={Pastureland Ecology 1 provides hands-on training in grazing management for USDA-NRCS professionals}, volume={102}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skae019.007}, abstractNote={Abstract Pastureland Ecology 1 is a 2-wk continuing education course taught by cooperating faculty at NC State University for USDA-NRCS Staff. The course was founded in the early 1990s and has been taught 23 times to over 500 participants from all 50 states. Participants primarily include grazing specialists, soil conservationists, and district conservationists. Instruction is split between classroom lectures and hands-on experience with grazing management. Lecture topics include; introduction to pasture ecology, principles of plant growth, determining animal forage needs, pasture design, principles of soil health, principles of grazing management, and grazing management systems for small ruminants, horses and cattle. Small groups of students work with groups of goats, sheep, horses, and beef cattle throughout the course, learning concepts of forage allocation, temporary electric fence, and adaptive management. Popular demonstrations developed over the years include; the reel race, dung beetle buckets, burying underwear to demonstrate soil health, exploring root diversity, and troubleshooting electric fence. Farm tours are conducted to show how concepts being taught are applied on commercial farms. In 2023 there were 29 students from 13 states including VA (4), MD (4), PA (3), OK (4), MI (1), UT (2), TN (3), WV (1), MA (1), OH (1), NM (1), WA (3), and RI (1). Participants had 8.4 ± 1.39 (AVG ± SEM) years of experience with NRCS with a range of 1 to 27 yr. Students self-assessed their understanding of major concepts before and after the course. On a 1 to 5 scale students increased their understanding by an average of 1.05 ± 0.129, averaged over all topics. Topics more familiar to participants had less increase including; Soil Health (0.38), Pasture Condition Evaluation (0.51), and Grazing Management for Beef Cattle (0.79). Less familiar topics had greater increases including Grazing Management for Horses (1.27) and Small Ruminants (1.27), and Temporary Electric Fence (1.43). Pastureland Ecology 1 remains a critical part of the Amazing Grazing Program at NC State University, impacting pasture-based livestock producers across the country. This educational model has proven to be an effective way of teaching the principles of pastureland ecology.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Poore, Matt H. and Shaeffer, April D. and Rogers, Johnny R. and Weaver, Andrew R. and Siciliano, Paul and Harmon, Deidre}, year={2024}, month={Mar}, pages={5–5} } @article{harmon_rayburn_griggs_2023, title={Grassland Ecology and Ecosystem Management for Sustainable Livestock Performance}, volume={13}, ISSN={["2073-4395"]}, DOI={10.3390/agronomy13051380}, abstractNote={Grassland ecosystems differ in plant and animal species composition and appearance depending on the location and climate [...]}, number={5}, journal={AGRONOMY-BASEL}, author={Harmon, Deidre D. and Rayburn, Edward B. and Griggs, Thomas C.}, year={2023}, month={May} } @article{newsome_poore_harmon_shaeffer_talbott_fellner_griffith_2023, title={The Effects of Varying Levels of Cotton Gin Byproduct and Wet brewers' Grains on Growth Performance of Growing and Finishing Steers}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad281.345}, abstractNote={Abstract The abundance of craft breweries provides widespread availability of wet brewers grains (WBG) to be used by beef cattle producers as a potential feedstuff. Cotton gin byproduct (CGB) is a feedstuff typically reserved for mature beef cows due to its low and variable feed value. Both WBG and CGB have high cost of transportation but are sometimes used by producers near supply centers due to their low price. The objective of this study was to analyze animal performance of growing Angus steers fed total mixed rations with varying amounts of CGB and WBG. Sixty-four Angus steers (365 ± 26 kg) were allotted and blocked by initial body weight (BW) in a randomized complete block design to 8 dietary treatments and fed in 2 phases, growing phase (GP) and finishing phase (FP) (84-d and 69-d, respectively). Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 x 4 factorial with two levels of CGB (0 or 25% of DM) and 4 levels of WBG (0, 10, 20 or 30% of DM). The control and base of all treatments were corn, corn silage and soybean meal. Body weights were recorded on two consecutive days at the beginning and end of GP and FP. Feed samples were collected, and refusals were weighed weekly. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with main effects of CGB, WBG, and the interaction. The linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of increasing levels of WBG and CGB were tested with polynomial contrasts. Average daily gain (ADG) did not differ among dietary treatments (0, 25% CGB and 0, 10, 20, 30% WBG) for GP, (1.67, 1.61, and 1.67, 1.57, 1.74, and 1.60 kg/d, respectively) (P > 0.3031), FP (1.53, 1.61 and 1.56, 1.53, 1.61, and 1.58 kg/d) or the overall trial (1.61, 1.62 and 1.62, 1.55, 1.68, and 1.60 kg/d). The addition of CGB increased GP dry matter intake (DMI; 11.06 vs 11.99 kg/d; P = 0.0011), while the addition of WBG linearly decreased GP DMI (11.81, 11.69. 11.81, and 10.81 kg/d; P = 0.0292). There was an interaction between CGB and WBG (P = 0.0206), with increasing levels of WBG at 0% CGB exhibiting a cubic effect (P = 0.0127), but no effect at 25% CGB. Inclusion of CGB decreased feed efficiency (FE) in the GP (6.77 vs. 7.69; P = 0.0008) but had no carry-over effect in the FP. There was no effect of WBG on FE in GP or FP. In conclusion, CGB increased DMI, reduced FE, and maintained ADG. Increasing quantities of WBG did not reduce ADG or FE, but decreased DMI with increasing feeding level. Therefore, WBG and CGB can be considered viable options for cattle producers seeking to lower input costs.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Newsome, Madeline and Poore, Matt H. and Harmon, Deidre D. and Shaeffer, April D. and Talbott, Charlotte L. and Fellner, Vivek and Griffith, Emily H.}, year={2023}, month={Nov}, pages={289–290} } @misc{harmon_phipps_2022, title={Invited Review: Rise of craft breweries in the southeastern USA increases supplement availability for beef cattle}, volume={38}, ISSN={["2590-2865"]}, DOI={10.15232/aas.2022-02315}, abstractNote={Purpose: The purpose of this invited review was to discuss the current state of craft beer production and the generation, nutritional variability, and importance of wet brewers grains (WBG) as a livestock feed. This article also takes an in-depth look at logistical challenges of using WBG as a feed resource and how local communities are mitigating those challenges. Sources: Information provided came from the combination of published scientific resources and through experiences based on outreach services and real-world applications of using WBG as a byproduct feed for beef cattle. Synthesis: Wet brewers grains are often a cheap or no-cost feed for beef cattle producers located near craft breweries. The high concentrations of CP and digestible fiber make it a byproduct of interest for many beef cattle production systems. Moisture content is the greatest limi-tation, and additives for improved fermentation may be needed during storage of this high-moisture feed. Conclusions and Applications: The rise of craft breweries has increased the availability of WBG, which is an affordable feedstuff for beef cattle producers located near a brewery. Although there is variability in WBG between brews and craft breweries, successful incorporation of this byproduct into diets has occurred in all sectors of the beef industry. The on-farm handling and storage of WBG should be considered, and the addition of a feed additive may help to prevent spoilage and extend WBG shelf life. In local communities, logistical challenges may be somewhat averted when several smaller beef cattle producers work together on a WBG contract.}, number={6}, journal={APPLIED ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Harmon, Deidre D. and Phipps, Kendra P.}, year={2022}, month={Dec}, pages={540–550} } @article{harmon_touchell_ranney_da_liu_2022, title={Tissue Culture and Regeneration of Three Rose Cultivars}, volume={57}, ISSN={["2327-9834"]}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI16716-22}, abstractNote={Methods of in vitro regeneration protocols were developed for three elite rose cultivars, Chewnicebell (Oso Easy Italian Ice®), Bucbi (Carefree Beauty™), and Cheweyesup (Ringo All-Star™). We evaluated the effects of different types and concentrations of auxins [dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T)], carbohydrates [sucrose, glucose, and fructose], and cytokinins [thidiazuron (TDZ) and 6-bezylaminopurine (BAP)] on callus induction and regeneration from leaf explants. The greatest amount of regenerative callus was obtained on media containing 10 µM 2,4-D and 30 g·L−1 sucrose for Italian Ice® (40%), 10 µM 2,4-D and 60 g·L−1 glucose for Carefree Beauty™ (24%), and 5 µM 2,4,5-T and 30 g·L−1 sucrose for Ringo All-Star™ (32%). The greatest regeneration occurred when callus was transferred to media consisting of 1/2 MS media supplemented with 2.9 µM GA3 and 5 µM TDZ for Italian Ice® and Ringo All-Star™, and with 2.9 µM GA3 and 20 µM TDZ for Carefree Beauty™. Plantlets regenerated from callus were cultured on maintenance media and successfully transferred ex vitro. This study highlights the genotype-specific responses among rose cultivars and provides the first reports of in vitro regeneration for Italian Ice® and Ringo All-Star™.}, number={11}, journal={HORTSCIENCE}, author={Harmon, Davis D. and Touchell, Darren H. and Ranney, Thomas G. and Da, Kedong and Liu, Wusheng}, year={2022}, month={Nov}, pages={1430–1435} } @article{dillard_baxter_wallau_harmon_hancock_2020, title={The Southeast hay contest: 10 year summary.}, volume={98}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz397.018}, abstractNote={Abstract The Southeast (SE) Hay Contest was started by a group of Extension agents from across the SE with the objective of increasing producer knowledge of the relative forage quality (RFQ) index. Since its inception, the program has grown to over 350 hay and baleage samples annually. Forage samples were categorized into warm-season perennial grass hay (WSPGH), alfalfa hay (AH), perennial peanut hay (PPH), cool-season perennial grass hay (CSPGH), mixed annual grass, or other hay (MAG), grass baleage (GB), and legume baleage (LB). Samples were analyzed for RFQ and crude protein (CP) using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) at the UGA Forage Testing Center (Athens, GA). The following summary includes data from 2009–2018 analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC) with category and year as fixed effects and α = 0.05. Alfalfa hay had the greatest RFQ, followed by LB (P ≤ 0.004; 199 and 186, respectively). Perennial peanut and GB had median RFQ values (P ≤ 0.001; 169 and 150, respectively), and WSPGH had the least (P ≤ 0.008; 117). With the exception of 2017, the years 2013 to 2018 had the greatest RFQ (P < 0.001; 165). 2017 had a greater amount of rain than average, likely resulting in its lower average RFQ. Alfalfa hay had the greatest (P < 0.001) CP of all categories (23.9%; P < 0.001). Crude protein concentrations did not differ among WSPGH, CSPGJH, and MAG (P ≥ 0.192; 14.5%). While these forage samples were likely greater quality than samples not submitted, we conclude that outreach efforts, including the SE Hay Contest, have increased knowledge of the hay and baleage production process leading to increased hay quality from 2009 to 2018.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Dillard, Sandra L. and Baxter, Lisa and Wallau, Marcelo and Harmon, Deidre D. and Hancock, Dennis W.}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={8–8} } @article{phipps_harmon_poore_henderson_bryant_ashburn_shaeffer_rogers_2020, title={Utilizing craft brewing side streams of trub, hops, and yeast mix (THYM) as a novel feed additive and an alternative to monensin in beef cattle diets.}, volume={98}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz397.115}, abstractNote={Journal Article RETRACTED: 186 Utilizing craft brewing side streams of trub, hops, and yeast mix (THYM) as a novel feed additive and an alternative to monensin in beef cattle diets Get access Kendra P Phipps, Kendra P Phipps North Carolina State University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Deidre D Harmon, Deidre D Harmon North Carolina State University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Matt H Poore, Matt H Poore Department of Animal Science - North Carolina State University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Ethan Henderson, Ethan Henderson North Carolina Cooperative Extension Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Robert Bryant, Robert Bryant Warren Wilson College Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Brock Ashburn, Brock Ashburn Highland Brewing Company Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar April Shaeffer, April Shaeffer North Carolina State University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Johnny R Rogers Johnny R Rogers North Carolina State University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Animal Science, Volume 98, Issue Supplement_2, November 2020, Page 50, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz397.115 Published: 28 November 2020}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Phipps, Kendra P. and Harmon, Deidre D. and Poore, Matt H. and Henderson, Ethan and Bryant, Robert and Ashburn, Brock and Shaeffer, April and Rogers, Johnny R.}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={50–50} } @article{phipps_harmon_poore_henderson_bryant_ashburn_shaeffer_rogers_2020, title={Utilizing craft brewing side streams of trub, hops, and yeast mix (THYM) as a novel feed additive and an alternative to monensin in beef cattle diets.}, volume={98}, ISBN={1525-3163}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz397.021}, abstractNote={Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate craft brewing side streams of trub, hops and yeast mix (THYM) as a potential feedstuff and replacement for monensin in growing beef cattle rations. British-cross steers (n = 45, initial BW = 732 ± 58kg) were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 15 pens (3 head/pen). Treatment diets were randomly assigned to pen and consisted of a corn silage based total mixed ration (TMR) with no supplementation (CON; 70.99% TDN, 12.25% CP), supplementation with monensin (MON; 22g/907kg ration, dry matter basis) or supplementation with the brewery side streams (THYM; 70.95% TDN, 12.49% CP, 2.65% THYM, dry matter basis). Steers were adjusted to a TMR for 14 d prior to a 63 d collection period. Body weight and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) were measured on d 0 and every 21 d thereafter. Rumen fluid was collected via esophageal/rumen tube at d 42 and 63 for short chain fatty acid analysis (SCFA). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) with treatment as the main effect and using repeated measures. Average daily gain and dry matter intake did not differ among treatments (P = 0.96, respectively), but a tendency was noted for THYM to have greater average gain:feed than the CON treatment. SUN concentrations were least on d 0 (P < 0.01) but did not differ among treatments at any time (P =0.11). On d 42, THYM had a greater (P = 0.05) A:P than MON. Concentrations of propionic and valeric acid were greater (P < 0.05) for CON than THYM on d 63, while SCFA concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for CON than THYM. THYM also tended to have a greater A:P on d 63 than CON. Interpretation of the data indicates that inclusion of THYM in growing cattle rations has no negative impact on animal performance.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Phipps, Kendra P. and Harmon, Deidre D. and Poore, Matt H. and Henderson, Ethan and Bryant, Robert and Ashburn, Brock and Shaeffer, April and Rogers, Johnny R.}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={9–10} } @article{mckee_harmon_hancock_stewart_rigdon_thomas_stelzleni_2019, title={Grazing evaluation of pearlillet with and without soybean hull supplementation in a forage-finished beef production system.}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz053.127}, abstractNote={Abstract Pearl millet may be a viable forage option in forage-finished beef production systems due to favorable agronomic traits and nutritive value. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate two varieties of pearl millet with and without soybean hull supplementation in a forage-finished beef production system. In a two-year grazing trial, sixteen 0.81-ha paddocks were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2x2 factorial design: ‘Tifleaf 3’ pearl millet (PM) and ‘Exceed’ pearl millet (BMR) without and with soybean hull supplementation (0.75% of body weight (BW); PM+S and BMR+S, respectively). Each year, Angus crossbred steers (n = 32; BW = 444±59 kg) were paired to minimize variability among pairs. Pairs were randomly assigned to treatment paddocks. Grazing was initiated in June when forage was approximately 60-cm in height and terminated after approximately 90 d of rotational grazing. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated from weights taken at grazing initiation and termination following an 18-h fast. Steers were harvested in September and carcass data were collected 24-h postmortem. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX (SAS v.9.4). Supplemented steers exhibited greater (P < 0.01) ADG than non-supplemented steers. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed for ADG between forage varieties. Pre-harvest shrunk weight, hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percent (DP), and ribeye area were similar (P > 0.05) within supplemented and non-supplemented steers across forage varieties. Shrunk weight, HCW, and DP were similar (P > 0.05) for BMR+S and BMR. Rib-eye area was similar (P > 0.05) for BMR+S, PM+S, and PM. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed for fat thickness, adjusted fat thickness, yield grade, marbling score, or overall maturity. Results indicate pearl millet is a viable warm-season forage option for forage-finished beef systems in the Southeast and soybean hull supplementation can improve animal performance over forage alone.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={McKee, Robert W. and Harmon, Deidre and Hancock, Dennis W. and Stewart, Lawton and Rigdon, Macc and Thomas, Chevise L. and Stelzleni, Alexander M.}, year={2019}, month={Jul}, pages={56–57} } @article{rogers_poore_ingram_harmon_2019, title={On-farm demonstrations improve producer understanding of using metsulfuron for tall fescue seedhead suppression.}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz053.011}, abstractNote={Abstract In 2018, a series of 4 on-farm demonstrations were conducted using a metsulfuron herbicide for tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) seedhead suppression to increase producer awareness of this practice. Chaparral© herbicide was applied prior to the boot stage (April 5–April 21, 2018) and the design was an unreplicated field with side by side treated and untreated areas. Forage samples were taken to determine yield, nutritive value, species composition and ergovaline level. Treatment with Chaparral© increased crude protein (12.1 vs. 14.2%) while reducing yield (5477 vs. 3738 kg/ha) and tall fescue seedhead proportion (42.8 vs. 25.4%) (P < 0.05). Total digestible nutrients tended to be higher (57.2 vs 59.2%, P = 0.08) and ergovaline level tended to be lower (901 vs. 491 ppb, P = 0.11) with treatment. Workshops were held to report the demonstration results. Total workshop registration was 147 with 91 evaluations completed. Participants were 78% male and 22% female with 65% being over the age 50. The pasture hectares grazed by participants was 4253 with 1415 ha as hay. Attendee’s livestock inventories were 6357 beef cattle, 105 sheep, 66 goats and 70 horses. Post-workshop evaluation indicated that 100% of attendees increased understanding of fescue toxicosis, management strategies to reduce fescue toxicity and of using metsulfuron for seedhead suppression. Evaluations completed at the conclusion of each workshop (n = 90) indicated satisfaction with (scale of 1 = not satisfied to 4 = very satisfied, mean ± SD): instructors’ knowledge (3.86 ± 0.34), workshop environment/format (3.83 ± 0.37), and overall quality (3.82 ± 0.41). One hundred percent indicated that this workshop met their expectations and they would recommend it to others. Producer interest and responses indicate that on farm demonstrations are an effective method for education of new production practices}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Rogers, Johnny R. and Poore, Matthew H. and Ingram, Sam and Harmon, Deidre}, year={2019}, month={Jul}, pages={5–6} } @article{poore_scaglia_andrae_harmon_rogers_blacklin_2020, title={Pasture-finished beef production in the south}, ISBN={["978-0-12-814474-9"]}, DOI={10.1016/B978-0-12-814474-9.00010-4}, abstractNote={There has been increased interest in pasture-based systems for finishing beef cattle in the Southern United States. These systems include grass-fed, pasture-finished, and many other variations. The local food movement has provided farmers with new outlets through farmers' markets, restaurants, and independent grocery stores, and various business models are being explored to deliver consistent and high-quality products to consumers. Farmers need to define and document their production system to support any production claims they make on their beef packaging labels or marketing materials. Farmers developing these systems must overcome many challenges with economy of scale, unsteady forage supply and nutritive value, lack of processing infrastructure, and consumer misconceptions about animal welfare, human health benefits, and environmental impacts. There are compositional differences between conventional feedlot beef and pasture-raised beef, including differences in total fat, fatty acid composition, and vitamin levels. However, because beef is only a small part of the overall diet, these differences have limited implications for human health. Forage system research has identified some of the weaknesses of Southern pasture–based beef finishing systems, but inflexibility in study design makes it difficult to mimic the systems used by producers. Most producers are targeting a significant level of marbling in meat, so that they either supplement concentrates on forage-based diets, use high-quality forages, and/or keep animals to older ages than may be typical for conventional feedlot beef. Regardless of the production system, providing animals with high-quality grazed or harvested forages as much of the year as possible will improve meat quality and improve the sustainability of these systems.}, journal={MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE CATTLE PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN PASTURES}, author={Poore, Matt and Scaglia, Guillermo and Andrae, John and Harmon, Deidre and Rogers, Johnny and Blacklin, Sarah}, year={2020}, pages={265–299} }