UK Hosting Second Annual Equines & Endophytes Workshop Jan. 31

By Holly Wiemers

Experts from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment are hosting a second annual Equines & Endophytes Workshop Jan. 31 from 11:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. at the Fayette County extension office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way, Lexington, Kentucky.

The event cost is $40, which includes a barbeque lunch and program materials. Advanced registration is required at https://eew24.eventbrite.com.

"The challenge posed by toxic tall fescue is complex, but strategies for dealing with or eliminating it don't have to be,” said Krista Lea, UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program coordinator, UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences research analyst and an event organizers. "This workshop is designed for the breeder, in hopes they can take the most up-to-date research and information back their farm and apply it that day.”

Event topics include:

• A history of tall fescue endophytes with Joe Bouton, emeritus professor, University of Georgia at Athens.
• A presentation by UK Department of Veterinary Science outreach professor Emma Adam if tall fescue needs exploring for a reason of mare pregnancy loss.
• A knowledge gap analysis of ergot alkaloids in equines, Jimmy Klotz, animal scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service Forage Animal Production Research.
• Short-term mitigation and long-term solutions with Lea.
• Selection, establishment and use of novel endophyte tall fescue varieties, Ray Smith, forage extension specialist within UK’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.
• Farm manager panel, moderated by Jimmy Henning, researcher within UK’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, with panelists Randy Gilbert, Shawnee Farm, and Rob Tribbett, Watercress Farm.