ARDMORE, Okla. — In 2014, the Noble Foundation launched a new research initiative – Forage 365 – aimed at providing a sustainable year-round grazing system. As part of this initiative, researchers will develop a system of forages (plants consumed by grazing animals) that enables ranchers to graze cattle year-round and use less or no hay.

To provide an update on one of the research projects, the Noble Foundation will host a Forage 365 Research Update: Cow-Calf Forage Systems from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 29, at the Noble Foundation Pasture Demonstration Farm, located west of Ardmore, Oklahoma.

“It is important for cattle producers to see the results as each project continues,” said James Rogers, Ph.D., Noble Foundation research agronomist. “Showing yearly results allows the producers to see the progress, give us feedback and ask questions. While the project is focused on ranchers, Forage 365 will ultimately benefit all those in agriculture and the consumers who depend on it.”

In October 2015, this research project was started with the objective of developing cow-calf grazing systems that enable bermudagrass pastures to be grazed into the fall and winter and to reduce winter supplementation. Results from the first year of the study will be presented as well as discussion on the importance of monitoring cow body condition and the impact it has on cow productivity. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the pastures and discuss the project one-on-one with the researchers.

There is no registration fee for the seminar, but preregistration is encouraged. To register, please visit www.noble.org/agevents or contact Maggie Scott at 580-224-6375.

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