LEXINGTON, Ky., (Jan. 24, 2012) -- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and UK College of Agriculture Equine Programs will host Pastures Please! for horse owners and farm managers interested in the latest information about horse pasture management. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Clark County extension office, 1400 Fortune Drive in Winchester. The meeting is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

"We are pleased to offer our upcoming 5th annual equine Pastures Please! program this year in Clark County. This has been one of the most popular pasture management programs the Extension Service and College of Agriculture hold each winter. Attendees will hear important management practices they can use to improve their horse pastures,” said Ray Smith, UK professor and forage extension specialist. “This year’s program will focus on practical advice on pasture weed control, reducing parasite loads and when to fertilize horse pastures in Kentucky."

Attendees will also receive an update about the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey.

“This program provides something for every horse owner. The planning committee each year aims to deliver timely and practical information,” said Adam Probst, Woodford County agricultural and natural resources extension agent and one of the event’s key organizers, along with fellow agents from Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Jefferson, Jessamine and Scott counties.

“With the current economic situation in the horse industry, it is extremely important to find ways to improve the bottom line. This may include how to get the most out of your pastures. This seminar is sure to provide great tips for pasture management, weed control and horse management. The agents are to be commended for organizing such an informative program,” said Ed Squires, director of UK Ag Equine Programs and executive director of the UK Gluck Equine Research Foundation.

Those interested in attending should RSVP through their local county extension agent, the Clark County extension office at 859-744-4682 or UK at 859-257-2226.

Author: Holly Wiemers

Contact: Adam Probst, 859-873-4601; Holly Wiemers, 859-257-2226