GRASSLAND EVALUATION CONTEST
Animal Science
Wayne Shannon
LIVESTOCK SPECIALIST
TROY
Abstract
GRASSLAND EVALUATION CONTEST\r\n\r\nShannon, * S.W. 1, Kennedy, M.L. 2, Marshall, M.A. 3\r\n\r\n1. Regional Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, EC Region, Troy, Missouri 63779\r\n2. State Grazinglands Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Houston, Missouri 65483\r\n3. District Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, Rolla, MO 65655\r\n\r\n An instructional method to teach livestock grazing, forage and wildlife management to youth interested in agriculture was developed in a contest format called Grassland Evaluation Contest. A study guide was developed, teacher training sessions were conducted and the contest grew to six district contests, a state contest and a national contest called the Mid-America Grassland Evaluation Contest. The program format consists of four sections: Grassland Condition, Soil Evaluation, Wildlife Habitat and Plant Identification. During a contest, in the Grassland Condition section for example, students are taken to a pasture site, presented a livestock herd scenario and asked questions to make judgments concerning herd management. Participants learn knowledge and skills to make decisions such as regarding selecting calving seasons, applying grazing pressure, calculating forage availability and pasture management. The Grassland Evaluation program have been a very successful curriculum to teach youth interested in agriculture more about forage and livestock management. The contest is a cooperative effort including University of Missouri Extension, USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation and The Missouri Forage and Grassland Council. The 12th Annual Mid-America Grassland Evaluation Contest is scheduled June 7-8, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri and will be open to FFA and 4-H youth. Impact of the Grassland Evaluation Contest program has been measured by participation and scores on the content sections. Three to five hundred youth have participated in the contest program annually over the last 15 years.
Authors: Shannon, W.
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Shannon, W. Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63379