Although Kentucky is in the middle of winter, horse owners and farm managers are already looking ahead to lush green pastures and productive grazing. 

To help them prepare, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, a part of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, will host the 18th annual Pastures Please!! from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Fayette County Extension Office. The event is free and open to the public. 

Launched in 2007, Pastures Please!! has served as a foundational educational program, offering timely and practical information to horse owners. This year’s event continues the tradition of focusing on best management practices for pastures and forages, helping equine operations remain profitable and sustainable. 

“Central Kentucky extension agents for agriculture and natural resources, along with UK Equine extension specialist Bob Coleman, have planned an outstanding program to help horse farm managers and operators efficiently manage their pastures,” said Linda McClanahan, Mercer County agriculture and natural resources agent. 

The evening begins with a complimentary meal at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., Brett Reese will open the program by exploring the feasibility and benefits of using drone technology for pasture management.  

“The opportunity to discuss drone technology with an agricultural application is very timely,” Coleman said. “The technology exists, but understanding where and how to use it is important.”  

Following that session, Bill Witt will discuss common and emerging weeds that can compromise pasture quality and equine health. Krista Lea will then highlight the available cost-share opportunities to help horse owners invest in improving their pastures. 

RSVPs are encouraged. Please call 859-257-5582 to reserve a spot or learn more about additional extension educational opportunities. The Fayette County extension office is located at 1140 Harry Sykes Way, Lexington, KY 40504.  

### 

Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu            

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.