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Amy K. Stone, Ohio State University Extension, Lucas County; Joseph F. Boggs, James A. Chatfield, Mary Maloney, Erik A. Draper, Hannah Mathers, Pamela J. Bennett, Jane C. Martin, Marianne Riofrio, |
In 2001, the Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Team (ENLTT) conducted four days of diverse educational programming, from October 1-4. A short summary of some of the programming, taken from the pages of the weekly (April-October) Buckeye Yard and Garden Line, follows.
On October 1, 2001, ENLT Team members journeyed to Gainesway Horse Farm located just outside Lexington, Kentucky, to join Cincinnati BYGLive! participants for the Fourth Annual Bluegrass BYGLive! Our host, Larry Hanks (Pampered Properties Inc., Lexington), arranged for an outstanding program. Larry has been a long-time BYGLive! participant.
A Winning Legacy
Participants were intrigued by research updates, courtesy of a cadre of Extension specialists and graduate students from the University of Kentucky. They were enthralled by a great mix of landscape challenges from the 2001 season, courtesy of Team members and Bluegrass BYGLive! participants. But, most of all, everyone was captivated by stunning vistas and beautiful Thoroughbred horses, courtesy of Gainesway Horse Farm.
Gainesway Horticulturist Ryan Martin gave a fascinating wagon tour of the Farm. Participants learned that Gainesway Horse Farm was founded by John Gaines, of Gaines Pet Food fame, in the early 70s. In 1988, the Farm was sold to the current owner, Graham J. Beck. The 1,500-acre farm has been and continues to be the home of an impressive collection of Thoroughbred contenders.
A majestic memorial water fountain that is lined with the names of notable horses honors this legacy. Several names on the memorial galloped through the collective memory of the participants, including Cannonade, winner of the 100th Kentucky Derby.
Of course, participants were also treated to seeing some of the current residents up close. Marion Gross, Stallion Manager, showed participants Broad Brush and Cozzene, two of the Farm's top bread winners. Broad Brush was America's leading sire in 1994, and it currently costs more than $150,000 to secure his services. Last year, he became acquainted with 47 mares.
Cozzene was America's leading sire in 1996. While his charge is less ($60,000), he deals in volume. Last year, he was introduced to 84 mares. Bluegrass BYGLive! participants noticed a perceptible glint in his eyes.
The group moved from the awe-inspiring business end of the Thoroughbred horse industry to the cutting edge of turf and landscape research. Research updates from UK Extension Specialists and graduate students were provided by Dr. Bill Fountain, Horticulture; Dr. John Hartman, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Dan Potter, Entomology.