Forage and Pasture Educational Program for Professionals in the Northwest.

A needs assessment survey indicated an opportunity to provide education and training in support of improved pasture and grazing management.  The highest priority topics, scored from 0= no need to 5= high need, with the score in parentheses were: establishment and interseeding (4); irrigation and water requirements (3.9); soils, fertility, and nutrient management (3.8); integrating fence and livestock water development (3.8); and weed management (3.8).  The target audience was Extension educators; Natural Resources Conservation Service and Conservation District personnel; forage seed industry representatives; and other USDA, state, and local personnel.  These educators, trainers, and service providers can then extend the knowledge to pasture operators through local workshops, tours, and farm visits.  Five workshops were presented, one each in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Utah.  A detailed class syllabus and program developed with a WSARE funded Professional Development Grant was revised over time based on evaluations and experience with the workshops.  The program provided 12 hours of classroom lecture and discussion and 10 hours of laboratory and field demonstrations and exercises to a total of 164 professionals.  This program provided comprehensive and focused training that ranged from genetics and seed certification to grazing management and animal behavior on pastures.  This integrated curriculum is not available at land grant universities.