Completed Project Report


Development of an on-line 'Forage Basics' course for livestock and forage producers

  • Award Amount: $49,608
  • Regional Center: Southern Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2020 Education Projects
  • Project Director: Leanne Dillard
  • Email: dillasa@auburn.edu
  • Organization: Auburn University

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Project Overview

This project increased the scope and reach of forage risk management education resources in Alabama and the Southeast. Development and release of a Forage Basics online course provided an introductory to intermediate instruction regarding forages for novice and seasoned clientele to make land and plant decisions on their operation. The online course was developed by members of the Alabama Extension Animal Science and Forage team, with assistance from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Communication team and released on to assist producers in making decisions on issues such as production risk, agri-ecological sustainability, economic decisions, and livestock management. Modules include description of common forage species, establishment and fertility, quality and grazing management, management of stored forages, integrated pest management, and economics of establishment and management. The course is managed using the Canvas online program and managed through the ACES Communications team. Promotion of the course used a multi-tiered approach of web-based awareness and in-person efforts targeted to beginning farmers, limited-resource producers, small farms, sustainable producers, traditional commercial producers, veterans, as well as women producers. Six months after the release of the course 342 individuals had registered for the course and 27% had completed the course (n = 92).

Number of Participants: 342

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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