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Educating Land Managers of Benefits and Practices of Cattle Grazing

Extension Education

Laura Bennett
Multi-County Livestock Agent
UF/IFAS Extension
Dade City

Abstract

Background: The State of Florida owns 4,940,120 acres which is about 14.2% of land area of Florida.  Local governments own more than 500,000 acres of the more than 12 million publicly owned lands in Florida.  Objectives: 1) increase the knowledge of land managers of the ecosystem services provided by cattle grazing and of best management practices cattle producers follow to increase productivity, manage forage, and sustain environmental quality and natural resources 2) improve attitude toward grazing and increase the acreage available for grazing leases.  Methods: The two-part program consisted of seminars covering ecosystem services, phosphorous and nitrogen budgets and soil health, stocking rates and forage management, body condition scoring and physiology, invasive plant management, and invasive wild hog management. In the afternoon, tours included demonstrations such as soil testing, weed identification and management, hay production, body condition scoring, native range management, wild hog trapping, and winter supplementation of cattle. Participants received a handbook with resources for future reference. Results: For three consecutive years, the program had a total of 88 participants and they had an average knowledge gain across all topics of 67%. Nearly two thirds of the participants were currently land managers overseeing nearly 2 million acres of land.  From the evaluations, 92% stated they felt more equipped in their land management role; 83% stated they have a more positive view of cattle grazing leases as a tool for land management. Comments in our surveys showed we may impact future discussions about land management (nearly 10,000 acres.) One county’s managers decided to begin discussions to re-open their land for grazing leases. Another county’s managers opened an additional 500 acres to grazing. Conclusion: The program provided land managers a setting with Extension Agents who provide science-based resources for their management decisions. Using best management practices for cattle and forage management on public-owned properties can enhance wildlife habitat, control invasive species, maximize carbon sequestration, and provide economic benefit for Florida.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Laura Bennett, Lauren Butler, Sonja Crawford, Christa Kirby, Bridget Stice, Lindsey Wiggins
  1. Bennett, L. Multi-County Livestock Agent, UF/IFAS Pasco County, Florida, 33525
  2. Butler, L. Livestock Agent, UF/IFAS Okeechobee County, Florida, 34972
  3. Crawford, S. 4-H/Livestock Agent, UF/IFAS Hendry County, Florida, 33935
  4. Kirby, C. Livestock Agent, UF/IFAS Manatee County, Florida, 34221
  5. Stice, B. Livestock Agent, UF/IFAS Polk County, Florida, 33831
  6. Wiggins, L. Multi-County Livestock Agent, UF/IFAS Hendry County, Florida, 33935