141 The Alliance for Grassland Renewal presents workshops to enhance the understanding and adoption of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue

摘要

The Alliance for Grassland Renewal (the Alliance) is a collaborative multi-state effort to enhance the understanding of fescue toxicosis and the adoption of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue (NETF). The Alliance includes academic institutions, companies marketing NETF, allied companies, governmental agencies, and non-profits. The Alliance initially focused on the state of Missouri. After 2014, it expanded efforts with one-day workshops in MO, KY, OK, KS and UKY joined the board in 2017. In 2018, Clemson and NCSU joined the board, and workshops were expanded to the east coast, with five workshops in MO, KY, SC, NC and VA. In 2019, workshops will repeated in those states in addition GA. Key presentations included managing fescue toxicosis, establishment and first year management, second year management, and economics of conversion. Additionally the agenda included microscope viewing of the endophyte, quality control and endophyte testing, industry update, drill calibration, producer panel, and a tour of NETF plots. There were 214 paid attendees in 2018 (locations ranged 26 to 59; 75% farmers), and 146 evaluations were submitted. Attendees owned 9592 beef or dairy cows, 1997 stocker cattle, 121 horses, 545 sheep and goats, and 151 alpacas. Thirty percent of the audience had planted NETF in the past, while 55% intended to plant NETF in the future. Reasons given for not planting included: unclear cost/benefit (9%), limited financial resources (4%), lack of knowledge (5%), rented or unsuitable land (15%) and forage reserves lacking (5%). Registration fee was $60, and 45% of the audience said they would have paid $95, suggesting the registration fee was appropriate. The Alliance is a growing and successful partnership between academic institutions and industry. This approach is a model that could be applied to adoption of other new technologies.