Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Horse owners, equine professionals, agricultural service providers, horse owners, and farm managers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Collaborations: Our team works with an advisory group (formally put together in 2012), which includes farm managers and members of the PA Department of Ag, DEP, the State Conservation Commission, District Conservation Offices and PA-NRCS. Several of the Environmental Stewardship Workshop Courses were requested and hosted by the above agencies. The team offered 5 trainings for NRCS, Conservation District, DEP, extension and agricultural industry personnel on understanding, selecting and implementing BMPs that are appropriate for the equine industry, which reached 105 professionals. In addition 119 PA Certified Nutrient Planners were trained specificaly about CAO and CAFO environmental issue related to equine farms, during 4 state-wide meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Technology utilized consists of DVDs, power points for web-based methods for providing educational outreach, including websites and webinars, utilization of the national eXtension HorseQuest for program distribution, and Penn State University publications and resources. The team incorporates a variety of methods to assist farm owners in making research-based decisions about the BMPs on farms. Several educational workshops (Equine Environmental Stewardship Programs) were offered across the state focused on BMPs to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and promote horse health. Workshop impacts are collected using pre, post evaluations to determine actions taken by farm owners. Through demonstration research farms, field days, web-sites, DVDs, workshops, seminars, newsletters, articles in the popular press such as Lancaster Farming, PA Equestrian, and other extension activities, BMPs and conservation practices were disseminated to equine managers at all levels. Project information is available through the PSU DAS web site; http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/equine/adult-education and Equine Science Newsletter websites. Results and practical implications of the team's educational courses and research are presented annually. Participation by the work group includes: PSU Extension Spring In-Service, Ag Progress Days, American Horse Council States Issue Forums, World Horse Expo, Manure Expo 2010, ADSA-ASAS Annual Meeting, Equine Science Society and American Forage and Grasslands Council Meetings. The equine farm's participation in the program has demonstrated to the equine industry agronomic and environmental benefits. Information gathered from the team’s research generated scientific publications, abstracts, and presentations at national meetings, several popular press, tread magazine and social media articles. Results of the information gathered in the team’s program has been used and examined by state regulatory agencies assisting the agencies in developing and revising potential regulations and assistance concerning equine farm operations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We plan to continue to offer the Equine Environmental Stewardship Short Course in 2015. The course, is offered at various locations throughout the state, will provide information and hands-on learning experiences designed to provide horse owners with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt sustainable BMP; environmentally sound farm management practices.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The project team reached 852 horse owners with the Equine Environmental Stewardship (EES) Course workshops, by hosting 38 Equine Environmental Stewardship Workshops. Overall, 81 percent of all workshop participants reported adopting at least two BMPs strategies to improve conditions on their farm. As a result of completing the EES short course 90% of participants indicated that they had a large increase in knowledge about forage biology and growth, how to renovate pastures, how to identify forage species, how to properly store and utilize manure, how nutrients affect plant growth, how to apply nutrients based on a soil test report, the importance of identifying weeds in pastures, and who to contact for assistance with pasture and nutrient management planning. We annually, presented at the following industry events: Ag Progress Days (attendance 3,200), PA Horse Council States Issue Forums (attendance 60), World Horse Expo at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg (attendance 35,000), and Keystone International Livestock Expo, Harrisburg (1,500). Team members have provided technical assistance to veterinarians, seed and feed industry dealers, municipal officials, agency representatives and legislators. Annually, 34,146 farm managers visited the PSU on-line information and training opportunities. Ration and diet Balancing, Routine overfeeding of dietary protein and phosphorus results in significant nutrient losses in manure. Previous work (Harper & Swinker, 2009) shows equine ration’s protein levels averaged 62% and phosphorus 92% above the NRC (2007) requirements. All 23 horse farm’s rations were evaluated and formulated using rations that met NRC (2007) requirements. If the owners continue to use corrected feed rations, this results in a reduced nutrient loads in watersheds throughout the state. The adoption of lower-nitrogen and phosphorus feeding practices for the 23 test farms (350 equine) is expected to result in reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus loading. This reduction of feed (8 -10 lbs. of grain/concentrates @ $15/50lb bags, to 4-5 lbs. and increased forage) would save farms an average of $219 per horse/ year or $76,650 total. In addition, if the 32,000 (educational program participants) horse owner’s operations (representing approximately 64,800 equine), implement feeding practices that meet requirements, there would be a reduction of 195 tons of nitrogen and 56 tons of phosphorus/year, respectively. Collectively, the horse farms would save $14 million/yr. Overgrazing pastures and Soil Erosion, Of the 23 equine operations that participate as cooperators, 100% reported that they will implement at least two identified practices designed to reduce phosphorous levels in their feed and /or reduce soil and nutrient loss by increasing canopy cover within the pastures. 100% of the farmers developed plans to improve pastures showing an improvement in canopy cover, forage quantity, and pasture conditions. Most literature reports the need for maintaining 70-75% vegetative cover in pastures. Below this level significant sediment loss can occur. The pasture target for the 23 farms was to increase canopy cover from 60 to 80% which reduces sediment loss by over 1 ton per acre, per year resulting in a potential soil loss savings of 37 tons per farm). Soil loss figures were derived using RUSLE2 Erosion Calculations (NFWF, PSU Final Report, 2010). The project team reached over 762 horse owners with the Equine Environmental Stewardship (EES) Course workshops, 81 percent of all workshop participants reported adopting at least two BMPs strategies to improve environmental conditions on their farm. Pasture improvement was reported to be one of the most important BMP targeted by farmers (SARE, PSU 2013 Report; USDA, NRCS-CIG 2013 Semi-Report, 2013). State-wide the PSU team’s efforts has helped horse farm property owners reduce soil erosion losses by improving pastures and saving over 22,800 tons of soil from being lost to erosion. Farmers utilizing EQIP can save $18.06 per acre, 8.6 tons soil saved per acre x $2.10 fertilizer value per ton of eroded soil (USDA-NRC, 2007). The end results for EESs workshop participants in savings would be $77.70 per farm or a total of $4.8 million. Results from the Equine Environmental Stewardship (EES) Course workshops, also helped to reduce the equine nutrient load from entering the state’s watersheds or tributaries, resulting from the proper management of the 1.17 million pounds of nitrogen and 334,248 pounds of P2O5 generated by the manure of equine residing in Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed region. The 2012 ISUEO, publication “Estimated Costs of Crop Production in Iowa”States nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer costs at $0.63 and $0.64 per pound,respectively. By these figures, the cost of properly managed fertilizer alone is $737,100 for nitrogen and $213,900 for P2O5, or nearly $1 million of fertilizer that will now be properly managed by putting it back into the soil to be used on pastures and crops. The team offered 26 Manure Management Plan (MMP) writing workshops throughout PA. The course has been designed to help teach horse operation owners how to prepare a manure management plan and understand an implement conservation practices. A total of 312 farm managers completed manure management plans for their farms and documented pasture condition, evaluate environmental risks associated with their farm manure storage and animal concentration areas and determined acceptable manure spreading rates. Collectively, if these farm managers had their MMP plans developed by a commercial plan writer they would have spent over $500,000.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Parry, S., T. Martin, P. , Vanderstappen, S. Truax, D. Ludwig, Dr. Kathy Soder, Melissa Ruben, D. Foulk, H. McKernan and A. Swinker, Equine Pasture Management and High Density Grazing Demonstration, North East Pasture Consortium, February 2014, State College, PA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Foulk, D., A. Swinker, S. Crook, N. Kadwill, H. McKernan, S. Truax, M. Brubaker, J. Malot, F. Schneider, Development and Implementation of an Equine Environmental Stewardship Program, North East Pasture Consortium, February 2014, State College, PA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Foulk, D., A. Swinker , S. Crooke , H. McKernan and S. Dorward, Environmentally Friendly Farm Program Recognizes Pennsylvania Farms that Adopt Sound Management Practices Protecting Water Quality and the Environment, North East Pasture Consortium, February 2014, State College, PA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Swinker, A., H. McKernan, D. Foulk, D. Kniffen, F. Schneider, A. Burk, M. Brubaker and S. Truax, Profile of the Equine Industrys Grazing Best Management Practices in Pennsylvania, North East Pasture Consortium, February 2014, State College, PA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Swinker, A., D. Foulk, H. McKernan, Environmentally Friendly Farm Program Recognizes Pennsylvania Farms that Adopt Sound Management Practices Protecting Water Quality and the Environment, Waste to Worth, Seattle WA, March 31-April 3, 2015.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Greene, E.A., R.C. Bott, C. Giguere, K.L. Martinson, and A.M. Swinker Case Study of Contaminated Compost: Collaborations Between Vermont Extension and the Agency of Agriculture to Mitigate Damage Due to Persistent Herbicide Residues Waste to Worth, Seattle WA, March 31-April 3, 2015.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Swinker, A., A. Burk, R. Bott, C. Williams, and E. Greene, An NE-1441 Project: Proposed Methodologies for Administering a Multi-State Environmental Best Management Practices Survey of Equine Properties Waste to Worth, Seattle WA, March 31-April 3, 2015.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Swinker, A., E. Greene, A. Burk, R. Bott, B. McIntosh, M. Westendorf, C. Williams, Existing Equine Pasture Best Management Survey Findings from NE-1441 States, Waste to Worth, Seattle WA, March 31-April 3, 2015.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: 1. Primary audience - horse farm owner and managers and other small farm operators. 2. Conduct educational programming for the staff from Conservation Districts, NRCS and Extension with emphasize on the importance of working with equine operations. Changes/Problems: Project Modifications: Because of the new PA State Regulation the team took this opportunity to reach horse farm managers with writing Manure Management Plan. We began advertising the EES course as the Manure Management Plans workshop. This increased our participation to the educational program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Penn State Equine team hosted (August 11-13, 2013) the Ag Experiment Station Project NE1041 - Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations annual meeting.The meeting was attended by 12 different states. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Technology utilized consists of DVDs, power points for web-based methods for providing educational outreach, including websites and webinars, utilization of the national eXtension HorseQuest for program distribution, and Penn State University publications and resources. The team incorporates a variety of methods to assist farm owners in making research-based decisions about the BMPs on farms. Several educational workshops (Equine Environmental Stewardship Programs) were offered across the state focused on BMPs to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and promote horse health. Workshop impacts are collected using pre, post evaluations to determine actions taken by farm owners. Through demonstration research farms, field days, web-sites, DVDs, workshops, seminars, newsletters, articles in the popular press such as Lancaster Farming, PA Equestrian, and other extension activities, BMPs and conservation practices were disseminated to equine managers at all levels. Project information is available through the PSU DAS web site; http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/equine/adult-education and Equine Science Newsletter websites. Results and practical implications of the team's educational courses and research are presented annually. Participation by the work group includes: Ag Experiment Station Project NE1041 - Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations, PSU Extension Spring In-Service, Ag Progress Days, American Horse Council States Issue Forums, World Horse Expo, Manure Expo 2010, ADSA-ASAS Annual Meeting, Equine Science Society and American Forage and Grasslands Council Meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The equine team members will continue to use the extensive curriculum in conducting more workshops, trained other educators, and assumed a leadership role in implementing and evaluating these regional programs. In addition, the team will continue to work with new demonstration farms on re-seeding pastures and BMPs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The project team reached a total of 762 horse owners (312 in 2013) with the Equine Environmental Stewardship (EES) Course workshops, by hosting 29 Equine Environmental Stewardship Workshops, 2-4 day short courses offered in Pennsylvania and New York. Overall, 80 percent of all workshop participants reported adopting at least two BMPs strategies to improve conditions on their farm. Workshop participants reported that they planned to adopt the following BMPs strategies: • 74% planned to add additional paddocks, stress lots to reduce grazing pressure. • 72% planned to generate a forage, weed and toxic plant inventory for their farm. • 72% planned to renovate the pastures to introduce new varieties and thicken the stand. • 66% planned to have a nutrient management plan developed for their farm. • 86% planned to apply nutrients based on soil test results. • 66 % planned to develop a proper manure storage facility. • 80% already contact or planned to contact Cooperative Extension for assistance. An additional, 3,200 farm/horse owners have attended individual (stand-alone sessions) workshops dealing with environmental stewardship and farm management issues; these programs were conducted through Horse Expos, clinics and Ag Progress Days conducted in the eastern United States. Introduction to PA Manure and Nutrient Management Regulation, farm managers of equine operations attended workshops presented on the impact of nutrients/sediments on water quality, assessing farm risks, and complying with regulations.A total of 184 farm managers completed manure management plans for their farms and generated farm maps, documented pasture conditions, evaluated environmental risks associated with their farm manure storage and animal concentration areas, and determined acceptable manure spreading rates.92% of those surveyed (N=110) could identify potential sources of contamination on farms.85% reported a better understanding of the impact contaminants have on ground and surface water.81% understood how to comply with regulations.100% of the EES workshop participants (starting in fall 2012) were handed a PA Manure Management Manual and during the workshop started to fill it out with their farms information. Forty cooperating horse farms (ranging from 5 to 170 acres) were visited to evaluate the operation's environmental best management practices (BMPs) and provided site-specific recommendations. From the 40 farms, 14 equine farms were used as demonstration research sites; and were assisted with increasing pasture canopy cover. However, what was found on many of the horse farms, before renovation, was that pasture canopy cover was at 80%, which is acceptable to reduce erosion. However, only 50% of the canopy cover contained desirable forage grasses or legumes. The remaining 30% consisted of summer annuals and perennial weeds. On one of the farms, after reseeding the pasture, conditions improved with vegetated cover increased from 80% to 100% with 98% of the cover consisting of perennial plants that can provide erosion protection in winter and early spring. The concentration of forage that supplies nutrition for the horses increased form 50% to 94%. The development of the Equine Pasture Evaluation (EPED) proved to be an efficient, accurate, user-friendly method to evaluate canopy cover and document plant species in pastures; 366 adults and 86 youth have used the EPED to evaluate their pastures, with 91% stating that recording data made them more aware of pasture conditions. The EPED has made them more aware of overgrazing and developed an interest in weed identification and control. In addition the EPED and score sheet has been used by 4-H youth groups, at NRCS pasture field days, and SPCA groups. Penn State Extension Equine Web site (http://extension.psu.edu/animals/equine) and on-line opportunities (Newsletter, events, fact sheets, power points etc.) were developed to provide educational opportunities for managers of equine operations to supplement the workshops. In one year, 34,146 (July 1, 2012 to June 31, 2013), farm managers visited the on-line information and training opportunities.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Rebecca C.B., Greene, B.A., Koch,K., Martinson, K.L., Siciliano, Williams, C.A., Trottier, N., Burk, A., Swinker, A.M. 2013. Production and environmental implications of equine grazing. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, July 15, 2013. 1-13.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Swinker, A., Worobey, S., McKernan, H., Kniffen, D., Foulk, D, Schneider, F., and Brubaker, M. 2013. Profile of Pennsylvania equine industrys environmental impact and best management practices. J. of NACAA, 6(1), June 1, 2013. http://www.nacaa.com/journal
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Greene, E.A., C. Giguere, R.C. Bott, K.L. Martinson, and A. Swinker. 2013. Vermont Horses vs. Twisted Tomatoes: A Case Study. J. of NACAA, 6 (1), June 1, 2013. http://www.nacaa.com/journal
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Swinker A.M, DA Foulk, S Crooke, H McKernan, S Truax, S. B. Parry and M Brubaker. 2013. Adoption of best management practices on equine operations using an Equine Environmental Stewardship Program. J. of Equine Vet. Sci. 33:377-378.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Swinker A.M, DA Foulk, S Crooke, H McKernan, S Truax, S. B. Parry and M Brubaker. 2013. Environmentally Friendly Farm Program recognizes Pennsylvania farms that adopt sound management practices protecting water quality and the environment, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 33, 5:378-379.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Swinker, A.M., C.A. Williams, K. Anderson, C. Skelly, A.O. Burk, M. Westendorf. 2013. Nutrient Management Regulations and the Equine Industry, Proceedings, Waste to Worth: Spreading Science and Solutions, Published March 22, http://www.extension.org/pages/67710/nutrient-management-regulations-and-the-equine-industry
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
C. Williams, A. Swinker, K. Anderson, C. Skelly, A.O. Burk, M. Westendorf. 2013. Currently Used Manure Management Practices of Equine Operations, Waste to Worth: Spreading Science and Solutions, Published March 25, http://www.extension.org/pages/67737/currently-used-manure-management-practices-of-equine-operations
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Swinker, A., Worobey, S., McKernan, H., Kniffen, D., Foulk, D, Schneider , F., and Brubaker, M. 2013. Profile of the equine industrys grazing best management practices in Pennsylvania. 5th National Conference on Grazing Lands, GLCI. 334.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Swinker, A., Worobey, S., McKernan, H., Foulk, D, Schneider , F., and Brubaker, M., 2012. Profile of the equine industry grazing practices, 5th National Conference on Grazing Lands, Proceedings, GLCI. 334.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In Pennsylvania, the fastest growing segment of the livestock industry is the equine sector. According to one survey Pennsylvania equine population has increased by 50% from 1993 to 2005. This increase has created a need for research-based educational programming in the areas of equine health, nutrition, and environmental management practices. Farms that are environmentally sound contribute to ground water recharge and recycle of nutrients which reduces nutrient inputs to lakes, rivers, and ecosystems. The PSU Equine Extension Stewardship Program developed an extensive curriculum, trained other educators, and assumed a leadership role in implementing and evaluating these regional programs. Funding includes NE SARE Extension Grant and USDA-NRCS Conservation (CIG) Grant. Two of our four team members have been generating their own salaries and fringe benefits. Tools developed consists of DVDs, power points methods for providing educational outreach, including web-sites and webinars, utilization of the national eXtension HorseQuest for program distribution, and Penn State University publications and resources. The team incorporates a variety of methods to assist farm owners in making research-based decisions about the BMPs on farms. Several educational workshops were offered across the state focused on BMPs to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and promote horse health. Workshop impacts are collected using pre, post and follow-up evaluations. Through demonstration farms, field days, web-sites, DVDs, workshops, seminars, newsletters, articles in the popular press articles, and other extension activities, BMPs and conservation practices were disseminated to equine farm managers at all levels. Project information is available through the PSU DAS web site; http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/equine/adult-education and Equine Science Newsletter websites. In addition to local workshops, participation by the team includes meeting and events such as: Ag Experiment Station Project NE1041 - Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations,Vermont, PSU Extension Spring In-Service, Ag Progress Days, American Horse Council States Issue Forums, 5th National Conference on Grazing Lands, World Horse Expo, Equine Science Society and American Forage and Grasslands Council Meetings. Team members have provided technical assistance to agency and legislative representatives initiating nutrient regulation. A webinar and four regional training workshops were held for 145 NRCS and Conservation District personnel. Resulting in,85% reported that the training increased their understanding of equine behavior and grazing patterns and risks; 82% said the information would help them develop recommendations for pasture management and animal sacrifice areas; 78% stated that they developed a better understanding of the industry and horse owners PARTICIPANTS: Equine farm owners and managers. 2. Conduct educational programming for the staff from Conservation Districts, NRCS and Extension with emphasize on the importance of working with equine operations. TARGET AUDIENCES: Horse farm owner and managers. Other small farm operators. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Fourteen horse farms were used as demonstration research sites during 2012. During Ag Progress Days, and the World Horse Expo the team has reached 3,800 horse owners with the Environmental Stewardship topics. A series of 4-day, Environmental Stewardship Courses reached 428 farm managers, 98% of those surveyed reported a large increase in knowledge about: forage biology; pasture renovation; identifying forage & weeds; soil testing; nutrient management regulations. And 94% conducted soil tests; 86% planned to apply nutrients based on recommendations; 74% planned to increase rotation or add stress lots; 72% planned to renovate pastures; 66% planned manure storage. For clientele to be willing to adopt new practices and evaluate their pastures, a method needed to be developed that is accurate & easy to use. A horse friendly tool was developed the "Equine Pasture Evaluation Disc" (EPED) & Fact Sheet and Equine Pasture Condition Score Sheet. The EPED and Score Sheet have been used by Extension and NRCS personnel in PA, NJ, and NY. To date, 366 adults and 86 youth used the tools to evaluate pastures; 98% surveyed (N=86) reported that it was easy to use; 91% stated that the EPED made them more aware of pasture conditions. Another program developed, "Environmentally Friendly Farm Program" identifies and rewards managers of equine operations that maintain an environmentally healthy farm. Farmers complete a farm-specific environmental assessment. When the information is verified, farmers receive an Environmentally Friendly Farm sign and a logo that can be used on their website, brochures and marketing materials. Formal marketing will begin in early 2013. Representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and the State Soil Conservation Commission have reviewed program materials and have pledged agency staff support in promoting the program. So far, 2 farms were piloted; 9 have requested applications. In 2012, PA adopted a new state regulation for all animal farms the "Manure Management Plan". Every farm is required to have a plan, 560 managers of equine operations attended one of 16 workshops that were presented on the impact of nutrients/sediments on water quality and complying with regulations. Resulting in 92% of those surveyed (N=110) could identify potential sources of contamination on farms, 85% reported a better understanding of the impact contaminants have on ground and surface water, and 81% understood how to comply with regulations. Drug resistant parasites are now being reported in equine. Short courses were conducted to help farm managers develop an integrated program to reduce parasite levels and reduce the proliferation of resistant parasites. After owners (280)reported, they had a very large increase in knowledge about how parasites develop resistance 78%; why conducting a fecal analysis is critical 76%; importance of identifying animals that shed eggs 81%; how environmental conditions affect the presence of infectious stage larvae 90%. They intended to work with a veterinarian to develop an effective program 88%; adopt practices to reduce exposure 97%. Six months, 70% purchased microscopes and were doing fecal counts.
Publications
- Lechleitnerm, C. and A. Swinker. 2012. Green Acres America Horse. American Quarter Horse Association. Amarillo, TX. 14:9. pp. 24-26.
- Swinker, A. M. 2012. The U.S. Slaughter of Horses- An Emotional Issue. Pennsylvania Equine Council, Newsletter, February 2012. pp. 1-3.
- Swinker, A. M. 2012. Penn State Extension Offers Equine Parasite Seminar. Pennsylvania Equine Council, Newsletter, February 2012. pp. 6-7.
- Swinker, A. M. 2012. Odor Management Program News. Pennsylvania Equine Council, Newsletter, February 2012. pp. 6-7.
- Westendorf, M. L., C. Williams, A. O. Burk, N. Trottier, K. Martinson, P. D. Siciliano, A. M. Swinker, E. A. Elizabeth, A. Greene, and R. Bott. 2012. Environmental impacts of equine operations: a U.S. Department of Agriculture multistate project. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 32:(6)324-326.
- Swinker, A. M., J. Werner, E. Jedrzejewski, R. Miller, and H. McKernan. 2012. Animal disease traceability plan evaluated through 4-H horse program. J. of NACAA, 5 (1), June 1, 2012. http://www.nacaa.com/journal/index.phpjid=110.
- Gerber, M. I., A. M. Swinker, W. B. Staniar, J. Werner, E. Jedrzejewski, and A. L. Macrina. 2012. Health factors associated with microchip insertion in horses. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 32:3. pp. 177-182.
- McKernan, H. A. and A. M. Swinker. 2012. Involving youth in livestock and horses in environmental stewardship projects. 5th National Conference on Grazing Lands, Proceedings, GLCI, p. 335.
- Foulk, D., A. Swinker, N. Kadwill, H. McKernan1, T. Truax, M. Brubaker, and F. Schneider. 2012. Equine Environmental Stewardship: A comprehensive approach to enhancing adoption of best management practices on equine operations. 5th National Conference on Grazing Lands. Proceedings, GLCI. p. 336.
- McCurry Schmidt, M., P. Kaufmann, and A. Swinker. 2012. How to protect horses from toxic blister beetles. ASAS Taking Stock, August 10, 2012. http://takingstock.asas.org/p=4723.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2011, fourteen cooperating horse farms were used as demonstration research sites and the team has now visited a total of 34 farms. The team helped to secure agency match conservation funding to assist some of the horse farms. During this reporting period, the team members have been invited to attend state and national educational programming to train agency staff (train the trainers) from Conservation Districts, NRCS, and Cooperative Extension, and the Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference held in Maryland. Project information was presented at State Conservation Nutrient Management Advisory Board and the Pennsylvania DEP meetings. Over the past 2 years, during Ag Progress Days, the team has reached 1,000s of horse owners with the Equine Environmental Stewardship topics. The project team hosted several three day trainings. Over 285 farm managers have completed the 3-4 day short courses offered in Chester, Centre, Northampton, Montgomery, York, Union, Columbia, Westmorland and Clinton Counties in Pennsylvania and Orange and Ulster County, NY. Over 3,200 additional farm/horse owners have attended individual workshops dealing with environmental stewardship and farm management issues. For the second year 12 educational workshops (Equine Environmental Stewardship Programs) were offered across the state focused on BMPs to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and promote horse health. Workshop impacts are collected using pre-post evaluations to determine actions taken by farm owners. Through demonstration research farms, field days, web-sites, DVDs, workshops, seminars, newsletters, articles in the popular press such as Lancaster Farming, PA Equestrian, and other extension activities, BMPs and conservation practices were disseminated to equine managers at all levels. Project information is available through the PSU DAS web site; http://www.das.psu.edu/research extension/equine/adult-education and Equine Science Newsletter websites. Participation by the work group includes the following events conducted in 2011: PSU Extension Spring In-Service (21 County Agents), Ag Progress Days (2,500 attendees), American Horse Council States Issue Forums (110 participants), World Horse Expo (32,000 attendees), Equine Science Society (209 Equine professionals) and Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference (122 Equine Nutritionists) and Southern States Nutrition Conference (93 Equine Nutritionists). Team member have provided technical assistance to agency and legislative representatives initiating nutrient regulation.(Example: the horse owners BMPs survey result helped with the PA DEPs information for the Manure Manual Plan Guidance No. 361-0300-002). PARTICIPANTS: 1. Horse farm owner and managers. 2. Conduct educational programming for the staff from Conservation Districts, NRCS and Extension with emphasize on the importance of working with equine operations. TARGET AUDIENCES: Horse farm owner and managers. Other small farm operators. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
In 2011, an additional, fourteen cooperating horse farms were used as demonstration research sites (for a total of 37 demo farms). Again the program demonstrated to the industry agronomic, economic and environmental benefits. The team helped to secure agency match funding to assist the horse farms. Equine Team member have again been invited to attend state and national educational programming to train agency staff (train the trainers) from Conservation Districts, NRCS, and Cooperative Extension. This year's training was by webinar and farm visits. We continue to provide information at State Conservation Nutrient Management Advisory Board and the Pennsylvania DEP and serve as advisers. During the 2011Ag Progress Days, the team has reached 1,000s with the Equine Environmental Stewardship topics. Over 285 farm managers have completed short courses (3 to 4 day trainings) offered in Chester, Montgomery, York, Union, Columbia, Westmorland and Clinton Counties in Pennsylvania and Orange and Ulster County, NY. Over 3,000 additional farm/horse owners have attended individual workshops dealing with environmental stewardship and farm management issues. As a result of completing the short course: 90% to 100 % of the participants indicated that they had a large increase in knowledge about: forage biology and growth; how to renovate pastures; how to identify forage species; how to properly store and utilize manure; how nutrients effect plant growth; how to apply nutrients based on a soil test report; the importance of identifying weeds in pastures; who to contact for assistance with pasture and nutrient management planning. To date, 88% of all 2011surveyed workshop participants adopted at least two BMP strategies to improve conditions on their farm. An "Equine Environmental Stewardship Farm Managers" online survey was conducted Dec. 9, 2010 to January 30, 2011. The survey was sent out to a participants list representing over 2,000 emails addresses of equine farm managers. The survey data results is being used to determine baseline equine best management practices for use by regulatory agencies, researchers and horse farm managers.
Publications
- Williams, C., B. Staniar, A. M. Swinker, K. Martinson, and B. McIntosh. 2011. Feedstuffs, Horse Industry Hand Book, American Youth Horse Council, Inc., Horse Industry Handbook 7 pp.
- Swinker, A., S. Worobey, H. McKernan, R. Meinen, D. Kniffen, D. Foulk, M. Hall, W. Weld, F. Schneider, A. Burk, and M. Brubaker. 2011. Profile of the Equine Industry Environmental, Best Management Practices and Variations in Pennsylvania. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 31:334-335.
- Foulk, D., A. Swinker, and M. Hall. 2011. Using an Equine Pasture Evaluation Disk (EPED) to Document Canopy Cover and Evaluate Pasture Improvement. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 31:336-337.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Of the 31,000 operations which house horses in Pennsylvania, 23,250 are non-commercial operations and over 75 percent are on limited acreage, requiring intensive management (PSU, 2003). In addition, non-commercial, small farms with fewer than 10 equine rarely have nutrient management plans and are more likely to stock pile manure and leave it on the premises unused (24%). The Equine Natural Work Group Equine Stewardship program includes educational opportunities for both large and small horse farm operations and regulatory agencies to improve environmental issues that will affect and protect environmental strategies for all inhabitants in PA and throughout the USA. The Equine Natural Work Group Equine Stewardship Program team members developed an extensive curriculum, trained other educators, and assumed a leadership role in implementing and evaluating these regional programs. Various university faculty and staff are utilized in specialized reference areas. Additional stakeholders for educational programming include NRCS, Conservation District representatives, veterinarians, agricultural service providers, and municipal officials that implement land use regulations. Equipment utilized consists of DVDs, power points for web-based methods for providing educational outreach, including web-sites and webinars, utilization of the national eXtension HorseQuest for program distribution, and Penn State University publications and resources. The team incorporates a variety of methods to assist farm owners in making research-based decisions about the BMPs on farms. Several educational workshops (Equine Environmental Stewardship Programs) were offered across the state focused on BMPs to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and promote horse health. Workshop impacts are collected using pre, post and 12-month follow-up evaluations to determine actions taken by farm owners. Through demonstration/research farms, field days, web-sites, DVDs, workshops, seminars, newsletters, articles in the popular press such as Lancaster Farming, PA Equestrian, and other extension activities, BMPs and conservation practices were disseminated to equine managers at all levels. Project information is available through the PSU DAS web site; http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/equine/adult-education and Equine Science Newsletter websites. Results and practical implications of the team's educational courses and research are presented annually. Participation by the work group includes: Ag Experiment Station Project NE1041 - Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations, PSU Extension Spring In-Service, PSU Quarter Horse Sale, Ag Progress Days, American Horse Council States Issue Forums, 4th National Conference on Grazing Lands, World Horse Expo, Manure Expo 2010, ADSA-ASAS Annual Meeting, Equine Science Society and American Forage and Grasslands Council Meetings. Team member have provided technical assistance to agency and legislative representatives initiating nutrient regulation. PARTICIPANTS: 1. Horse farm owner and managers. 2. Conduct educational programming for the staff from Conservation Districts, NRCS and Extension with emphasize on the importance of working with equine operations. TARGET AUDIENCES: 1. Horse farm owner and managers. Other small farm operators. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The team has indirectly affected all Pennsylvania horse owners by conducting research that is being used to establish farm policy and regulations. Twenty-three cooperating horse farms were used as demonstration research sites during the last two years. The program demonstrated to the industry agronomic, economic and environmental benefits. The team helped to secure agency match funding to assist horse farms which was unheard of in PA. Equine Team member have been invited to attend state and national educational programming to train agency staff (train the trainers) from Conservation Districts, NRCS, and Cooperative Extension. Statewide in-service training conducted by the State Conservation Commission trains 225 agency professional on horse management. Information was presented at State Conservation Nutrient Management Advisory Board and the Pennsylvania DEP. Over the past 3 years, during Ag Progress Days, the team has reached 1,000s with the Equine Environmental Stewardship topics. The PSU team hosted a three day, National Equine Environmental Stewardship Conference, with the American Horse Council that impacted 15 state equine councils and 150,000 affiliate members. To date, 80% of all surveyed workshop participants adopted at least two BMP strategies to improve conditions on their farm. Information gathered from the team's research generated 12 scientific abstracts and presentation at national meetings, two articles, several popular press and tread magazine articles, three national webinars and two PA Manure de jour webcasts. After farm visits 60% of farm managers incorporated the suggested practices into their operations. The remaining 33% reported that they wanted to utilize the suggested practices, but required financial assistance or more technical information. Results of the information gathered in the team's program is utilized and examined by federal and state regulatory agencies assisting the agencies in potential regulations and assistance concerning equine farm operations. With the continual growth (50% increase) of the equine industry in PA and the increasingly important role that the industry plays in supporting the state's agricultural economy, the equine team has provided expertise for the horse farm operations in state and nationally. The equine team has provided expertise and scientific technology for regulatory agencies, legislatures and horse farm managers who would be unable to obtain current and timely information due to geographical restraints and financial limitations. The synergy created through this collaborative team effort has help broaden the resident education, continuing education, and research programs of the Penn State Equine Science Program so that it can better support the needs of Pennsylvania's growing equine industry.
Publications
- Swinker, A., D. Foulk, J. Malot, S. Truax, J. Weld, and M. Harper. 2010. Summary of equine pastures utilizing a line point transect to measure vegetative cover to reduce sediment and nutrient losses, enhancing pasture quality. J. Anim. Sci. 89:639-640.
- Harper, M., A. Swinker, and K. Kephart. 2010. An assessment of the environmental impact of horse farms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, J. Anim. Sci. 89:641.
- Swinker, A. M. 2010. Horse Nutrition, Annual Conference, American Forage and Grassland Council, Proceedings. Springfield, MO. p. 1-5.
- Malot, J., A. Swinker, D. Foulk, and S. Truax. 2009. Equine Nutrient and Sediment Management Project, 4th National Conference on Grazing Lands. Sparks, NV. p. 48.
- Harper, M., A. Swinker, W. Staniar, and A. Welker. 2009. Ration Evaluation of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Horse Farms from a Nutrient Management Perspective. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 29:519-520.
- Swinker, A., M. Harper, J. Weld, D. Kniffen, M. Brubaker, F. Schneider, and C. Smith. 2009. Horse Manure and Bedding Disposal Practices, Variations and Magnitude. Eq. Vet. Sci. 29:436-520.
- Swinker, A., J. Malot, D. Foulk, S. Truax, and M. Harper. 2009. Pennsylvania Equine Nutrient and Sediment Management Project. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 29:457-458.
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