Making a Difference 2012–2013 Participants Develop Knowledge at Eastern Kansas Grazing Schools The Situation The recent drought reduced the productivity of grasslands throughout Kansas. This program addressed that issue with education on alternative forages, rotational grazing, and improved soil and water management. Participants also indicated they intended to make numerous improvements in grassland management, including rotational grazing and grazing of cover crops. What We Did In September 2013, a two-day Eastern Kansas Grazing School was jointly developed and promoted by a team of agents from the Frontier and Meadowlark districts, as well as Coffey, Douglas, and Shawnee counties. Attendees managed a total of 13,200 acres of grassland. In addition to presentations by extension specialists and Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel, participants had the opportunity to apply what they had learned in a field exercise. Grazing school participants cared for a large number and broad variety of livestock species. Success Story Attendees reported that they owned or operated on average 347 acres of grassland and 362 acres of cropland. Comments included: “One of the best seminars I have ever been to” and “This grazing school was excellent! Informative and inspirational!” Field exercise Contact Rod Schaub Frontier District ANR Agent 128 W. 15th St., Lyndon, KS 66451 (785) 828-4438 email@example.com Outcomes Participants’ self-assessments indicated impressive knowledge gain. Participants reported increasing to ratings of “knowledgeable” or “very knowledgeable” by a minimum of 42% for “Economics of Grazing,” with maximum knowledge gain of 74% for “Fencing and Watering.” Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, John D. Floros, Director.