The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Master Grazer program, in conjunction with the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council and Kentucky Beef Network, will offer its Spring Fencing Schools in two locations this year.

Agriculturalists, producers, homeowners and interested community members can attend on April 22 at the Daviess County Extension Office in Owensboro, Ky. or on April 24 at the Monroe County Extension Office in Tompkinsville, Ky.

“Fencing is vitally important on the farm,” said Chris Teutsch, associate professor for the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, stationed at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton. “Good fences keep our livestock safe and animals from getting out. Understanding the ins and outs of proper fencing is important for anyone installing fencing on their property, including residential homeowners.”

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. (CST), the morning session will address fencing types and costs, construction basics, electric fencing, innovations in technologies and an overview of Kentucky fence laws.

Participants will put their knowledge to work in a hands-on fence-building session at a local farm in the afternoon. The demonstration includes:

• Safety, layout and a post-driving demonstration
• H-brace construction
• Knot tying, splices and insulator installation
• Installing Stay-Tuff fixed-knot fencing
• Installing high-electrified tensile fencing

On April 22, participants will visit Wes and Jennifer Poole of Poole Farms in Lewisport, Ky. This first-generation operation raises commercial turkeys, 1,500 acres of row crops and beef cattle.

“We participated in the University of Kentucky’s Fencing School in 2023 and learned numerous skills to bring back to our operation,” Jennifer Poole said. “We are looking forward to hosting this event for Daviess County and surrounding areas because ‘good fences make good neighbors,’ and we hope our fellow ranchers can learn some new skills too.”

On April 24, participants will visit Thompson Farms in Tompkinsville, a 400-head cow-calf operation. Jason Thompson, who farms with his father, placed first in the American Grassland and Forage Council’s Forage Spokesperson Contest this year.

“I am looking forward to hosting the team on the farm and the opportunity to learn more about properly fencing my pastures,” Thompson said. “It’s our responsibility to build strong fences and keep our animals in.”

Participants should pre-register at least one week before the event. Advance registration is $35 per person and includes a notebook, safety glasses, hearing protection, refreshments and a catered lunch.

• Register online for the April 22 Fencing School in Owensboro
• Register online for the April 24 Fencing School in Tompkinsville
• Register by email: caroline.roper@uky.edu
• Register by mail: Caroline Roper, PO Box 469, Princeton, KY 42445. Make Checks payable to KFGC

For more information, contact Caroline Roper, Master Grazer Coordinator, at 270-704-2254 or caroline.roper@uky.edu.

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Writer: Caroline Roper, caroline.roper@uky.edu

The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center (UKREC) at Princeton is proudly celebrating 100 years of advancing agricultural extension, research, education, leadership and service to the Commonwealth. Founded in 1925, UKREC is part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, as well as the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. A vital part of the Princeton community, UKREC’s impact extends across Kentucky and beyond. To mark this milestone, Martin-Gatton CAFE will host a variety of events and training sessions throughout the year, showcasing UKREC’s legacy of excellence and ongoing commitment to UK’s mission of improving lives through teaching, research and extension.

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 to individuals and institutions that provide equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.