AN INTERACTIVE EQUINE PASTURE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP SERIES DESIGNED FOR THE FOOTHILLS REGION OF NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA
Extension Education
Cassie LeMaster
Area Livestock and Forage Agent
Clemson Extension
Laurens
Abstract
The Foothills region of the Carolinas is a unique area along the western border of North and South Carolina. State and county equine census data from 2008 and 2004 for the four neighboring counties- two on each side of the state line, estimate a range in equine population between 17,100 and 19,400. The influx of non-native equestrians and farm managers to an already thriving equestrian community has led to an increased demand for educational opportunities covering best pasture management practices specific to our climate, soil and forage types. Clemson and North Carolina Cooperative Extension partnered to offer a unique interactive pasture management course for the Carolina Foothills area. The 1-d course, held May 31, 2019 at Cotton Patch Farm in Tryon, NC, offered a total of 4 h of instruction. Participants were split and rotated between four groups to allow for hands-on opportunities. Of the 45 participants, 82% completed the written evaluation. Subject knowledge before and after the workshop was reported using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = very low, 5 = very high) in five categories: 1) determining body condition score, 2) effective and efficient grazing management, 3) importance of soil health, 4) sprayer calibration, and 5) identification of pasture plants and forage varieties suitable for local pastures. Reported subject knowledge rating increased in all 5 categories, with an average pre-workshop rating of 2.55 and an average post-workshop rating of 4.06. The survey responses indicate an eagerness among area horse owners to further their knowledge on the topics presented, and the collaborative Extension effort was an effective method to provide the best resources from each land grant institution.
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Authors: C. W. LeMaster
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LeMaster, C. Area Livestock and Forage Agent, Clemson Extension, South Carolina, 29360