116 Award Talk: Increasing awareness of forage management benefits for livestock production in the Southeastern U.S.

Abstract The forage-livestock interface plays a critical role in the sustainability of beef cattle production systems in the southeastern US, where forages are the primary nutrient source for livestock. To address this, an extension program was established to increase awareness of forage testing’s importance and, ultimately, to enhance livestock performance, reduce production costs, and minimize the environmental impacts of beef cattle supplementation. Central to these efforts was the Forage Extension Laboratory at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center, established in 2006. The laboratory provided forage testing services to Florida forage and livestock producers, offering accurate nutritive value analysis tailored to the state’s dominant warm-season grasses. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) is commonly used by U.S. feed testing laboratories to estimate forage digestibility. However, published correlation coefficients (r values) between ADF and digestibility range widely—from -0.39 to -0.93—particularly for warm-season grasses. Stronger correlations are generally observed in cool-season forages or total mixed rations. Therefore, routine forage testing programs that rely solely on ADF often yield inaccurate digestibility estimates for warm-season grasses and legumes. To address this limitation, an in-vitro digestibility method, adapted from Moore and Mott (1974) and using the Ankom Daisy incubator, was developed. This approach aimed to provide more accurate forage testing results for producers. The program also focused on educating county extension agents, producers, and livestock owners about the importance of understanding forage nutritive value to meet animal dietary requirements and prevent productivity losses, such as reduced pregnancy rates or milk production. Educational outreach efforts included personalized consultations, publications, workshops, and in-service trainings. Since its inception, the laboratory has analyzed nearly 9,300 forage samples. Surveys indicated that 95% of users were satisfied with the services, and 90% reported up to a 20% reduction in production costs. A second extension initiative emphasized sustainable forage management across Florida’s 11 million acres of grasslands, which support a $1.4 billion forage-based industry. The program engaged diverse stakeholders—including large-scale producers, small landowners, and agencies—through Grazing Management Schools, field days, and hands-on demonstrations. Topics included pasture establishment, grazing strategies, soil fertility, and nutrient management. Improved forage species and cultivars, such as ‘Gibtuck’ limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) and ‘Mislevy’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), have been promoted through the program. These efforts have resulted in the planting of over 1,200 acres, with an anticipated $2 million annual increase in producer income. Evaluation results indicated that 95% of Grazing Management School participants intended to adopt new practices, and 70% had already implemented new forage species. Innovative communication tools—such as the “Joe What?” podcast and a national webinar series—have further expanded the program’s reach. Collectively, these programs have significantly advanced forage testing and management practices in Florida, enhancing economic returns while promoting environmentally responsible livestock production.