172 Equine operator response to field-based forage education in Maryland

Abstract

The objective of this project was to implement a series of field-based forage educational events in Maryland and to collect and document knowledge gains and program outcomes as a strategy to improve grazing management on equine operations. Educational events held during 2021 and 2022 included a combination of pasture walks and field days designed to provide hands-on education related to grazing management. At the end of each event, participants were asked to complete a short 15-question evaluation designed to capture information on program quality, knowledge gains, and anticipated outcomes. A total of 44 responses were collected across 4 individual events. Most respondents were female (68%), 30 to 59 years old (63%), and traveled less than 25 miles to attend the event (66%). Most respondents owned or managed 1 to 10 equids (54%) on properties with 1 to 20 acres of pasture (59%). Feedback was very positive, with 100% of respondents reporting the subject matter was presented clearly, they were satisfied with the handouts or materials provided, they found the information useful in the management of their operation, and the education provided improved their ability to make informed decisions regarding their operation. Notably, 98% of respondents said they planned to make at least one change in their operation based on the information provided. Respondents were askedto assess knowledge gains using pre-post questions, which require respondents to think back before an experience and rate themselves before and after the experience. Using this format, respondents were asked to rate their knowledge of the subject before and after the program using a Likert scale (1 = very little to 5 = very much). The average Likert rating was greater after program completion (average ± SD; 4.1 ± 0.7) compared with before (2.8 ± 0.8). When asked what they liked most about the program, respondents noted that they appreciated the casual, relaxed nature of the field-based programming, the range of practical information provided, and the interactive, hands-on approach. Specific subjects that were favorable to respondents included pasture assessment, forage identification and selection, and weed management. When asked what subjects they would like covered at future events, responses included maintaining overweight horses on pasture, integration of other livestock species, nutrition, weed identification, pasture renovation, and manure management. Results of this assessment indicate that equine operators find field-based forage programming useful and illustrate that it can be an effective means to increase knowledge and adoption of grazing best management practices.