By Joe Sellers
A new grazing education and networking program intended for young and beginning graziers will be offered this summer and fall by the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University. ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist Joe Sellers said Grassroots Grazing is a three-part series that will be held in five locations.
“This is designed to fit the busy schedules of young and beginning producers and involves a shorter time commitment than IBC’s Greenhorn Grazing or Certified Grazier programs,” he said. “Each location has its own schedule of three evening discussions and pasture walks.”
The series is sponsored by the Beginning and Young Livestock Producers Network initiative of ISU Extension and Outreach and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and sessions will be led by local ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialists with assistance from county extension staff.
“There is no fee to attend, but we strongly encourage preregistration to ensure adequate materials for everyone,” Sellers said. “Participants will receive an in-depth grazing resource guide and join discussions with other producers from their region and with extension specialists.”
The date, start time and address for the initial session at each location are listed below, along with the contact person for each site. The program flyer has more information.
June 8, 6 p.m., Blairstown — Brian Kreutner pasture, across from 7980 22nd Ave. Dr, Blairstown. Conversion of CRP to pasture including paddock division, fencing off the stream, adding an above-ground gravity flow watering system and expansion of the initial grazing plan. Contact Denise Schwab, 319-472-4739, dschwab@iastate.edu.
June 22, 6 p.m., Cascade — Nathan Manternach pasture at 23476 Hwy 136, Cascade. Pasture development including paddock division, in-paddock watering system, EQIP opportunities and use of annual crops to extend the grazing season. Contact Denise Schwab, 319-472-4739, dschwab@iastate.edu.
June 22, 6:30 p.m., Osecola — Darrell Mateer farm, 1963 205th Ave, Osceola. Setting objectives for the grazing plan, pros and cons of various grazing systems, and how to develop more diverse and productive pastures. Contact Jennifer Pollard, 641-342-3316, jpollard@iastate.edu, or Joe Sellers, 641-203-1270, sellers@iastate.edu.
June 25, 6 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach, Mahaska County Office — 212 North I St., Oskaloosa. EQIP funding and young producer programs, matching beef cattle genetics with grazing management, developing a grazing plan, and pasture productivity. Contact Pat Wall, 515-450-7665, patwall@iastate.edu.
June 30, 6 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach, Cass County Office/Community Building — 805 West 10th St., Atlantic. Setting objectives for the grazing plan, pros and cons of various grazing systems, and how to develop more diverse and productive pastures. Contact Chris Clark, 712-769-2650, caclark@iastate.edu.
Source:iastate.edu