Effectiveness of Cooperative Extension Equine Pasture Management Programs

Abstract

Equine property owners represent a growing audience in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states that requests information from cooperative extension regarding pasture management. A survey was mailed to New Jersey equine pasture property owners in January 2000 to determine the effectiveness of cooperative extension programs dealing with pasture management practices. New Jersey equine pasture managers with 21 to 35 animals and 8.5 to 16 ha of pasture were more likely to utilize cooperative extension. Larger properties with more animals encounter more complex management issues that foster interaction with cooperative extension. Our model demonstrates that equine property managers in New Jersey who obtain information from cooperative extension are more likely to soil test and fertilize less often. Enhanced pasture management requires capital expenditures. Consequently, property owners in New Jersey who spend more than $49 ha(-1) yr(-1) are more likely to obtain information from cooperative extension. These results suggest that cooperative extension equine programs in New Jersey should target smaller property owners and focus on liming for soil pH management, rotational grazing, and manure testing for soil nutrient management.