Cropland to Forage Conversion Workshop

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, in partnership with the Alliance for Grassland Renewal, will host a Cropland to Forage Conversion Workshop on March 5, 2026, offering landowners, producers and advisors practical strategies for transitioning crop acres into productive pasture systems.

“With beef cattle prices at record highs, now is an ideal time for crop producers to explore opportunities in the cattle industry,” said Chris Teutsch, UK Extension forage specialist in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. “This workshop will guide grain producers through transitioning cropland into regenerative grasslands that enhance soil health, improve forage quality, and create profitable, sustainable livestock systems.”

Workshop Schedule

All times Central Time

8:00 a.m. — Registration and refreshments
8:30 a.m. — The Role of Grasslands in Regenerative Agriculture — Matt Poore, North Carolina State University
9:00 a.m. — Perennial Grass Establishment: Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue Alone and in Mixtures — Ray Smith, University of Kentucky
10:00 a.m. — Break and visit with sponsors
10:30 a.m. — Infrastructure for Grazing: Fencing and Water — Chris Teutsch, University of Kentucky
11:15 a.m. — Grain Drill Calibration and Setup for Forage Establishment — Brittany Hendrix and Katy Trimble, University of Kentucky
12:00 p.m. — Lunch and visit with sponsors
1:00 p.m. — The Dollars and Sense of Grassland Conversions — Matt Poore, North Carolina State University
1:45 p.m. — Financial Assistance for Cropland Conversions — Adam Jones, USDA–NRCS
2:15 p.m. — Hands-on fencing demonstrations — Jeremy McGill, University of Kentucky, and Payton Rushing, Stay-Tuff
3:30 p.m. — Surveys and adjourn

Workshop registration is $40 per person and includes lunch and educational materials. Student registration is $20. Advanced online registration is required. Questions can be directed to Krista Lea at krista.lea1@uky.edu or 859-257-0597.