Agriculture News

March 8, 2017

Purdue Extension forage experts to present live demo during Pasture Walk

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Livestock producers are invited to join Purdue Extension forage experts for Pasture Walk 2017, which will include demonstrations of the differences between healthy and unhealthy pastures. 

The inaugural event, which is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 23, will be hosted by Hanlin Farms, a fifth-generation family farm in northwest Jay County.

Purdue Extension Forage Specialist Keith Johnson will offer research insights into the ideal conditions for grazing and pasture systems. Purdue Extension Fulton County Director Mark Kepler also will be part of training on identifying new and old pastures in 2017 for large and small animals. 

The hands-on session is designed to help livestock caretakers understand what is required to maintain a healthy pasture. 

“It’s important to be observant on a weekly basis to the changes that occur within the pasture,” said Johnson, who also is a professor of agronomy at Purdue University. “Factors you need to be aware of include pest pressure, not only from insects but from disease and weeds. It’s also important to determine if undergrazing or overgrazing is occurring.” 

Cultivating and maintaining a healthy pasture can result in a perennial that produces quality grazing for livestock for many years, Johnson added. 

During Pasture Walk 2017, Johnson also will discuss the importance of soil tests in determining soil fertility and problems that occur from under-seeding or over-seeding. The session will include demonstrations, a question-and-answer session, lunch, and drill calibrations. 

Hanlin Farms is located at 9089 W. Balbec Road, Pennville, Indiana.

Please RSVP by March 16 by contacting Larry Temple at 260-726-4707 or ltemple@purdue.edu. Please state number of attendees.

Writer: Shari Finnell, 765-494-2722, sfinnell@purdue.edu 

Source: Larry Temple, 260-726-4707, ltemple@purdue.edu 

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Shari Finnell, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, sfinnell@purdue.edu  
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