UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Enrollment is now open for 2024
Enrollment is now open for the 2024 UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program. If you are interested in having your farm evaluated for species composition and tall fescue toxicity, please click the enrollment link below and submit your information.
Evaluations include:
Species composition is determined by objectively identifying the percentage of grasses, legumes, forbs and other pasture constituents.
Endophyte analysis is a measure of the number of tall fescue plants infected with the toxic endophyte and gives a measure of toxic potential to broodmares.
Ergovaline concentration is snapshot of the current toxicity profile within the pasture and compared to other pastures on the farm and allows for triage of pastures for mitigation.
Management recommendations including herbicide applications, overseeding and complete re-establishment are based on all data collected on the farm and conversations with farm management.
For repeat evaluations, pasture changes over time are charted to observe the impacts of management, grazing and weather patterns.
Soil type maps are created and can impact land use and overall carrying capacity. Please note we do not collect soil samples, and instead encourage farms to use their county extension agent or commercial agronomic services for soil sampling.
Personal consultation to go over the full report and discuss options for improved management going forward.
Any horse farm within the Commonwealth of Kentucky is eligible for this program, regardless of size, breed or discipline. Farms are serviced on a first-come, first-served basis. Costs vary by size of farm and types of analysis. A quote for all services will be provided before the evaluation begins.
Additional questions can be directed to program coordinator Krista Lea at Krista.Lea1@uky.edu.
