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Paddock and Small Pasture Management
| Name | John Oxner | | Situation | Aiken County has been known for years as one of the premier horse areas in South Carolina. The horse industry contributes to the economic impact of Aiken County. About 80 percent of incoming calls are related to paddock and small pasture management. Persons representing these interest areas were included as a part of the County Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Committee. This group indicated a tremendous need for basic management education for people managing horse paddocks and small pastures.
| | Response | Extension conducts educational programming in agricultural programs to improve profitability and sustainability. Grass-roots input is the basis of educational programming. With the help and input from members of the Forage Action Committee (two individuals were very involved with planning the program) objectives for an Extension program were formulated. The objectives for the program were: (1) Develop basic educational information for management of paddocks and small pastures, (2) Develop regular educational programs and demonstrations that pertain to paddocks and small pastures, (3) Develop a newsletter covering topics related to paddocks and small pastures.
An educational program was planned to cover the basics of forage quality, soil fertility and fertilizers, grazing management, pest management and fire ant management. This program is targeting individuals with small acreage. The agent developed the program based on information gathered for Clemson University, Auburn University and the University of Georgia. Over 100 promotional flyers were distributed by the Extension office and the Forage Action Committee. The meeting announcement was published in The Aiken Standard. The program was attended by 54 individuals desiring information.
| | Impact | Evaluations from the program indicated a substantial increase in knowledge about management of paddocks and small pastures. Most indicated that the information on fire ant control and soil fertility was the high priority for them. Except for one individual, all indicated it was a worthy use of their time, but couldn’t say how it would impact them financially. Nearly everyone picked up soil sample boxes indicating a change from their normal practices. The Forage Action Committee and program participants indicated they would like to have quarterly or bi-monthly programs of this type to help them improve their knowledge in this area. Three other programs were presented with an attendance over 125. The Extension Office continues to receive questions from clients and more than 100 producers are on the mailing list now. These programs will continue and some expansion has been made into Lexington County. Other aspects of the objectives will be developed as this program area grows.
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Last update7/3/2008
This website is maintained by Linda Kelly and Bonnie Anderson.
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