Tennessee Master Forage Program

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The Tennessee Master Forage Program offers an in-depth exploration of forage-livestock systems while focusing on the soil, plants, and animal interactions. Through a practical approach participants will learn from the basics to the most recent advanced practices to improve productivity and sustainability. The course features guest lectures from leading experts who will share insights across different regions, innovative practices, and solutions for our Tennessee producers and beyond.

For questions specific to program registration and requirements, please reach out to: forage@tennessee.edu

Registration Information

Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable). The program must be completed within one year. Certification remains valid for 3 years and qualifies producers for the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost-share program. Producers must register online, or with their local UT Extension office.

Option 1 (100% Online): Participants must complete 12 credits of online modules delivered asynchronously enabling self-paced learning. All modules must be finished within the 1-year program period.

Option 2 (Hybrid with 75% Online and 25% In-Person): Participants must complete 9 credits of online modules delivered asynchronously, enabling self-paced learning. All modules must be completed within the 1-year enrollment period. A Q&A feature will be available through the platform, and monthly meetings will be scheduled to address questions. This option includes a 3-credit in-person component, requiring attendance at one qualifying event. These must be completed within the enrollment period of one year.

Registration will begin May 15, 2025. Please check social media and UT Extension websites for updates about the program.

To Register

Qualifying Events

For participants in Option 2, The $100 program fee covers this component. Dr. Pedreira, UT Extension Forage Specialist, will lead Forage Tours in the spring and fall across various parts of Tennessee. These will feature farm visits with hands-on activities such as pasture walks, demonstrations, and discussions.

Event details to be included below soon.

Forage Tour- Jefferson County
Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 5-8 pm ET

Forage Tour- Henderson County
Monday, August 4, 2025, 5-8 pm CT

Forage Tour- Fayette County
Thursday, August 7, 2025, 5-8 pm CT

Forage Tour- Greene County
August 14, 2025, 5-8 pm ET

Forage Tour- Cheatham County
Monday, September 29, 2025, 5-8 pm CT

Forage Tour- Wilson County
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 5-8 pm CT

Tennessee Forage & Grassland Council Annual Meeting
Date TBD

Program Topics

Understanding how soil supports plant growth, including soil types, nutrients, water retention, and pH levels. Healthy soil is essential for strong plant development and overall ecosystem health.

Forage systems are agricultural setups designed to produce and manage forage crops that serve as feed for livestock. These systems typically include a combination of grasses, legumes, and other plants that are cultivated to provide a sustainable and nutritious diet for livestock throughout the year.

Fertility programs involve strategies to ensure plants receive the necessary nutrients for growth, such as through fertilization, soil amendments, and crop rotation. This helps maintain soil health and promotes optimal plant productivity.

Alternative methods to provide nitrogen to plants, such as using nitrogen-fixing plants or organic fertilizers, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers that can harm the environment.

Forage quality refers to the nutritional value and palatability of forage crops, which are essential for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock. High-quality forage typically contains optimal levels of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a crucial component of livestock diets.

The process of managing livestock grazing to ensure pasture health. Proper grazing techniques prevent overgrazing and help maintain healthy plants, ensuring sustainable land use.

Strategic planning involves setting goals for land use, crop rotation, financial, economic considerations, and livestock management to improve long-term productivity, reduce waste, and ensure sustainability.

Identifying and addressing weaknesses in land management or ecosystem services, such as nutrient deficiencies, soil erosion, or inefficient resource use. This helps optimize system performance and sustainability.

Methods to manage or eliminate unwanted plants that compete with crops or forage for resources like water, light, and nutrients. This can involve herbicides, mechanical removal, or natural controls.

Combining different agricultural practices to increase productivity, improve sustainability, and promote ecological balance.

A land management system that integrates trees, livestock, and pasture. It helps increase biodiversity, reduce erosion, and provide shade for animals, while improving soil health and carbon sequestration.

The methods used to gather crops or forage and store them to prevent spoilage. Proper harvesting and storage techniques help maintain food quality and ensure the longevity of resources for future use.

Forage economics involves the financial aspects of producing and managing forage crops, focusing on cost-efficiency and profitability. It encompasses the analysis of input costs, market prices, and economic returns to ensure sustainable and economically viable forage production systems.

Focus on the nutritional needs and health of livestock. It is essential to select forage types that provide balanced nutrition, including adequate protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, to support growth, reproduction, and overall well-being. Additionally, proper management practices such as rotational grazing, timely harvesting, and storage techniques are crucial to maintaining forage quality and ensuring a consistent supply of nutritious feed throughout the year. These practices help optimize performance and contribute to sustainable livestock production systems.

Program Coordinator

Bruno C. Pedreira

Associate Professor & Director, Plant Sciences

Program Assistant

Malerie Elizabeth Fancher

Research Specialist, Plant Sciences

Online Office Hours
1-2 pm ET, on Zoom

May 28, 2025
June 25, 2025
July 30, 2025
August 27, 2025
September 30, 2025
October 29, 2025
December 3, 2025

Please click box for access to link.

For more information about this program, please contact your local county Extension office.

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