Business : Young Farmer Benefit from Improved Grazing Management

Young farmers who depend on pasture to support their livestock operation will benefit from attending the Grassroots Grazing program. This three part program includes pasture walks at three different sites throughout the summer and will address setting livestock enterprise goals, selecting an appropriate grazing system, developing pasture improvement plans, managing grass height, results of adequate rest, fencing, watering, weed management and extending grazing.

The first session will be June 8 at Brian Kreutner’s pasture near Blairstown, starting at 6pm. Kreutner’s pasture walk will feature his 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. The pasture is located across from 7980 22nd Ave. Dr, Blairstown, or from Blairstown go south one mile, east 1 mile, south one mile, east 1/2 mile and south 3/4 mile. Jim Brown, Benton County NRCS director, will also discuss cost share opportunities for improving pasture management.

Interested producers are encouraged to contact the Benton County Extension office at 319-472-4739 to preregister to ensure adequate supplies, or to get more details on the program.