@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{weaver_holcomb_smith_brown_holcomb_rogers_2024, title={Effect of grazing native warm season grasses on parasitism and growth in weaned Katahdin lambs}, volume={102}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skae019.108}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Parasitism in lambs during the post-weaning period has effects on growth, survival, and sheep enterprise profitability. Opportunities to minimize exposure to infective larvae during this period may reduce clinical effects and improve lamb performance. Native warm season grasses (NWSG) offer increased growth during summer months and taller plants that allow grazing at greater heights. The objective here was to evaluate NWSG as a forage for post-weaning development of lambs in spring lambing, forage-based systems. Over 2 yr, Katahdin lambs (Yr 1, n = 30; Yr 2, n = 31) were managed at a producer farm in the piedmont region of North Carolina. Beginning 2 wk post-weaning, lambs were randomly assigned to graze on either NWSG (Big Bluestem and Indiangrass) or cool season grass (CSG, Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue base) pasture. Lambs were continuously grazed for 70 d in Yr 1 and 55 d in Yr 2. Fecal egg count (FEC), FAMACHA score, and body weight (BW) were measured every two weeks. Lambs were dewormed at FAMACHA ≥ 3. Forage analysis was conducted at the start and end of the grazing period. Statistical analysis were performance using the PROC Mixed procedure of SAS. Lambs in each group were raised in similar litter sizes and sire and sex were evenly distributed between groups. Fecal egg count and growth estimated breeding values (EBV) were similar between NWSG and CSG groups. In Yr 1 and 2, no differences were observed in FEC between grazing groups (P > 0.05). However, FEC did increase in both groups throughout the grazing period (P < 0.05). In Yr 1, no differences were observed in total BW gain (P = 0.74). However, in Yr 2, lambs grazing CSG had greater total BW gain than the NWSG group (P < 0.05). In both years, there were no differences in the percentage of lambs requiring deworming (Yr 1, P = 0.36; Yr 2, P = 0.47) but lambs requiring treatment had greater FEC EBVs (P < 0.05). Nutrient quality of NWSG pasture was reduced compared with CSG pastures. Total digestible nutrients and crude protein were less in NWSG compared with CSG pastures (Yr 2: 61.5% vs. 63.9% and 8.9% vs. 13.6%, respectively) and neutral detergent fiber was greater (Yr 2: 74.1% vs. 65.2%, respectively) resulting in decreased nutrient availability for NWSG group. While NWSG may provide additional biomass for summer grazing, rapid maturity rates may limit nutrient availability for lambs resulting in decreased growth performance despite similar levels of parasitism. Lamb FEC EBV may have a role in parasite resistance and deworming requirements regardless of forage type. Thus, genetics must be considered along with grazing management as part of an integrated parasite management plan.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Weaver, Andrew R. and Holcomb, Lee and Smith, Jason and Brown, Allison and Holcomb, Der and Rogers, Johnny R.}, year={2024}, month={Mar}, pages={95–96} }
 @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{rogers_weaver_cope_2023, title={North Carolina Small Ruminant Improvement Program Workshops Build Producer Knowledge of Important Management Techniques}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad068.012}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Growing interest in small ruminant production, strong market demand, and producers’ minimal use of data-driven management practices led to the development of the North Carolina Small Ruminant Improvement Program (NCSRIP) in 2021. This program seeks to improve the number and quality of small ruminants produced in North Carolina as well as improve producer profitability. Three workshops were held to increase producer awareness of new small ruminant production practices and opportunities. All workshops included classroom and breakout sessions featuring hands-on activities. In February 2022, the Lambing and Kidding Workshop was held in cooperation with NC Sheep Producers Association at the North Carolina State Small Ruminant Educational Unit (Raleigh, NC). Topics included pre-lambing/kidding management, lambing and kidding diseases, the birthing process, dystocia management and lamb/kid processing. The Flock Management Workshop was held in May on a working sheep farm near Dobson, NC. Attendees learned about hay sampling and analysis, ration balancing, flock health management and cost share resources for small ruminant operations. In June, the NCSRIP joined with the Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins to host a grazing school in Roxboro, NC. The agenda featured predator regulatory considerations, herding dog use, parasite management, genetic selection, soil health and pasture management. Workshop pre-registrations were 162 with 65 attending the events with 63 evaluations completed. Fifty-six percent of participants owned 1-50 breeding females. Twenty-seven percent of participants had no livestock but were gathering information for future endeavors. Fifty-seven percent of operations owned sheep, 13.0% raised goats, 7.4% produced cattle and 22.4% grazed combinations of all species. Fifty-seven percent of producers lived in the North Carolina Piedmont region while 14.3% resided in the Coastal region, 2.9% from the Mountain region and 25.7% from out of state. Post-workshop evaluations asked attendees to rank their increased understanding of each major agenda topic. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = no improvement to 5 = significant improvement), participants indicated they had improvement in all topics (mean = 4.18). When asked about participating in future NCSRIP events, producers suggested they would attend (mean = 4.62; 1 = will not participate to 5 = will attend if possible). When asked about what they like most about these workshops, attendees mentioned the hands-on approach and practical knowledge gained. Producer feedback indicates a growing interest in small ruminant production and a need for continued practical education programs.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Rogers, Johnny R. and Weaver, Andrew R. and Cope, Emily}, year={2023}, month={May} }
 @article{franzluebbers_poore_freeman_rogers_2021, title={Soil nutrient distribution on cattle farms in three physiographic regions of North Carolina}, volume={113}, ISSN={["1435-0645"]}, DOI={10.1002/agj2.20508}, abstractNote={AbstractBeef cattle production systems are sometimes considered a source of nutrient enrichment due to alteration of botanical composition and excretion of nutrients in isolated zones of pastures. However, research on environmental effects from livestock grazing in the eastern United States has been scant. We conducted an intensive soil sampling campaign on six private farms in three physiographic regions of North Carolina to determine the impacts of landscape features, pasture management, and animal behavior on a suite of soil nutrients. Total and particulate organic C and soil‐test biological activity (STBA) increased with increasing elevation due to edaphic and climate factors. Within farms, fields with different management illustrated that: (a) swine and poultry manure application can favorably enrich soil with infrequent application, but lead to excessive soil‐test P and K with repeated application; (b) positive impacts on total and particulate organic C and STBA occur with grazed perennial forages compared with annual forages and previous cropping; and (c) enrichment of total and particulate organic C and STBA occurs with winter hay feeding, but excessive nutrient accumulation can occur if fed in the same location repeatedly. Aggregated enrichment of soil organic C, STBA, and soil‐test P and K occurred on 30% of fields near drinking water tanks, shade sources, gates, and hay feeding stations. Improved grazing management with rotational stocking and more year‐round grazing helped to minimize occurrence and magnitude of nutrient enrichment zones. We conclude that improved grazing management systems can have positive impacts on the environment, and likely on farm livelihoods.}, number={1}, journal={AGRONOMY JOURNAL}, author={Franzluebbers, Alan J. and Poore, Matt H. and Freeman, Sharon R. and Rogers, Johnny R.}, year={2021}, month={Jan}, pages={590–609} }
 @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{poore_rogers_franzluebbers_2019, title={Enhancing production efficiency on southern beef farms with an interactive extension approach using forage management.}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skz053.158}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Production efficiency in beef grazing systems can be improved by several relatively simple changes in forage management practices. During a 4-year project period funded by the NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant Program (68-3A75-14–251) and in collaboration with the University of Georgia, the Amazing Grazing Program in North Carolina utilized several innovative forage management approaches on 6 private farms and 3 public research stations to educate beef producers. On-farm grid sampling illustrated spatial distribution of soil nutrients as influenced by long-term historical management, particularly of winter hay feeding stations. Side-by-side testing of simple and complex annual forage mixes on three private farms demonstrated the opportunities to enhance forage nutritive value, capture the value of diverse botanical composition, and to defer grazing on perennial pastures. Smallplot testing of yield response to fall-stockpiled tall fescue nitrogen fertilizer rate allowed producers to reap the economic benefits of improved soil health and to help improve the environment surrounding their farm. At each private farm, summer, and winter forage management workshops explored innovative approaches to beef farm management, including the nature and importance of dung beetles, value of simple compared with complex annual forages, how to approach winter grazing, benefits of hay unrolling, need for mineral supplementation, utilizing temporary fencing, and frost-seeding clovers. As the project progressed, interest and attendance at workshops grew and cooperating farmer engagement increased. We found that many small-scale beef farmers were interested in simple practices such as hay unrolling and frost seeding when demonstrated by their peers. Using a variety of educational approaches, workshop audiences responded positively to hands-on activities and time for open discussion. Attendees were interested, attentive, and motivated to adopt new practices based on these practical demonstrations on peer farms.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Poore, Matthew H. and Rogers, Johnny R. and Franzluebbers, Alan J.}, year={2019}, month={Jul}, pages={70–70} }
 @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} }
 @article{poore_shaeffer_rogers_freeman_2018, title={Hands-on Workshops Spark Producer Interest in Improving Mineral Programs for Beef Cattle.}, volume={96}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/sky027.007}, abstractNote={Mineral supplements are a key input for grazing beef cattle, and the wide variety of products and management approaches is confusing to producers. To address basic mineral requirements and mineral program management, four Amazing Grazing workshops were conducted across North Carolina with funding support from the NC Cattle Industry Assessment Program. Workshops were conducted in collaboration with county livestock extension agents who managed the meeting facilities and logistics, and provided tires and barrels for mineral feeder construction. A state specialist provided the educational materials and also the hardware and tools needed for mineral feeder construction. The presentations were informal and included 1) the basics of mineral requirements and typical forage mineral composition, 2) how to read and interpret a mineral tag, 3) how to determine a need for added mineral technologies such as “organic or chelated” trace minerals, ionophores, weather proofing, etc, and 4) management strategies including how to choose a good mineral feeder. As a hands-on activity producers worked together to build simple tire and barrel mineral feeders which they took home with them from the workshop. Enough supplies were on hand such that each participating farm could take a mineral feeder home if they wished. At the end of the workshop participants filled out a survey to represent each farm participating. Total workshop attendance was 86 (mean and standard deviation; 22 ± 7) and 57 (14 ± 6) surveys were collected. Workshop participants managed 2690 cows, 971 yearlings, and 4532 acres of pasture. All participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the workshop overall, and said they would recommend the workshop to other producers. A total of 49 mineral feeders were built (12 ± 3), and participants indicated they intended to go home and build an additional 81 feeders. Ninety % of the participants indicated they intended to use the information presented to improve their mineral program. Economic impact was determined by assuming that improving a mineral program would improve net income per animal by $10, and mineral feeders were valued at $150. Total economic impact was $52,499. Of all comments about what participants liked most about the workshop, “the hands-on activity” was most common. This program has been adapted for local use by a number of extension agents, and an accompanying YouTube video and set of plans for constructing these mineral feeders have been valuable outreach tools.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Poore, M. H. and Shaeffer, A. D. and Rogers, J. R. and Freeman, S. R.}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={4–4} }
 @article{rogers_poore_shaeffer_freeman_2018, title={On-farm workshops improve producers understanding of winter forage management strategies.}, volume={96}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/sky027.019}, abstractNote={In 2017 a series of 4 on-farm workshops were held across North Carolina to address winter forage management strategies. Two workshops were held in the Piedmont region where tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) is the dominant forage. Topics included extending the grazing season, improving soil health, frost-seeding clover, improving soil nutrient distribution and introducing warm season grasses. Two additional workshops were held in the Coastal Plain region where bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is the most prevalent forage. Those sessions focused on over-seeding Bermudagrass pastures with winter annuals, renovating winter feeding areas, improving soil nutrient distribution and livestock mineral supplementation. Workshops were held on farms participating in USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant #693A75-14–251 which is focused on improving soil health in pasture-based livestock farms. Total workshop registration was 153 with 120 evaluations completed. Participants were 73% male and 27% female with 51% being under the age of 50. The total number of pasture hectares grazed by participants was 3726 with 1682 ha as hay. Livestock inventories for attendees were 5289 beef cattle, 505 sheep, 359 goats and 62 horses. Post-workshop responses from the Piedmont workshops indicated that 100% of attendees had increased understanding of using stockpiling, frost seeding clover and warm season grasses in fescue systems. Ninety-seven percent of participants indicated a better understanding of how annual forages can be used to extend the grazing season and soil nutrient distribution. Similar responses were reported from the Coastal Plain workshops with 100% of attendees having increased understanding of establishing winter annuals into Bermudagrass, winter feeding area renovation and mineral supplementation. Ninety-six percent of attendees had an improved understanding of how grazing management can impact soil nutrient distribution. Participants completed an evaluation at the conclusion of each workshop (n = 120) where they indicated their satisfaction with (scale of 1 = not satisfied to 4 = very satisfied, mean ± SD): instructors’ knowledge (3.85 ± 0.35), workshop environment/format (3.85 ± 0.37), and overall quality (3.85 ± 0.35). One hundred percent of the attendees indicated that this workshop met their expectations and they would recommend it to others. 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, J. R. and Poore, M. and Shaeffer, A. D. and Freeman, S. R.}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={10–10} }