The University of Maryland wants to train horse farm owners about environmentally sound best management practices for horse pastures. A statewide team of university experts is developing a 5.5-acre model rotational grazing system at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Clarksville. The grazing system will be used to demonstrate good pasture management techniques, including rotational grazing, construction and use of a sacrifice area as well as safe footing and fencing options. It will also be the site of educational events and important research on the environmental impact of grazing horses.

The first educational event will be a no-till drill demonstration on March 15 at the center's equine research unit. Attendees will learn about the advantages of no-till pasture management and can learn how to use it on their own farms. More information is available at www.equinestudies.umd.edu.