The class spent the day at the San Agustin Ranch in Dededo going over most of what we were taught in the classroom into practice. We were shown the proper techniques on how to correctly obtain soil samples on the pasture or paddock. How to get grass samples, which is similar to getting soil samples.
It started raining right after we arrived at the ranch demo site. We had an impromptu information session at the ranch house, while the rain squall passed. I was able to see the per for the Muscovy ducks and the goat herd. Later one, we were able to see the cattle.
We saw the different types of grasses on pasture, what an actual forb looked like, and compared the different typed of grasses in the pasture. We calculated stocking rates for certain pastures and did a pasture walk to see the cattle herd at the far end. There is a lot of things to take into consideration when raising livestock.
At the demo site, we watched as the team demonstrated proper techniques when using the 3 gallon backpack for spraying herbicides, the different types of herbicides in their respective containers and safety gear. What was neat was seeking the parasite egg under the microscope at 1000x, that was taken from goat manure sample.
There was some snacks and drinks brought down by the host rancher. Later a whole spread for lunch was brought down. That was something. Really good chow. We took some group pictures and received our certificates. At the end of the day.
It was a great workshop. I'm looking forward to the next one, in August. I'm going to looking closely at what the ranchers in the U.S. Virgin Islands are doing. .
1 comment: