Business : ISU Extension Short Course will Increase Grazing Knowledge and Skills

Livestock producers with an interest in beginning or transitioning grazing practices can sharpen their skills by attending Greenhorn Grazing workshops offered by Iowa State University Extension. The Greenhorn Grazing short course consists of five different modules taught over the grazing season.

“Greenhorn Grazing is designed for graziers interested in a more controlled or management-intensive grazing system,” said Denise Schwab, ISU Extension livestock specialist. “Producers who want to optimize forage and livestock production, increase market access and conserve natural resources will find the modules very informative.”

The course will cover concepts relevant to all producers of grass-based livestock, whether it is beef, dairy, sheep or other animals, according to Schwab. Greenhorn Grazing will be held around the Maquoketa area, but is designed for any producers in eastern Iowa. Each workshop will have a classroom component with experienced instructors and a hands-on field component.

The workshops will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. and will last through late afternoon. The sessions are scheduled for June 8, July 6, August 4, August 30 and early November.

“Workshop topics covered by the instructors and during the associated field experiences will teach producers how to improve the productivity and use of their land,” said Schwab. “Training such as this removes some of the perceived barriers associated with entry into the grass-based livestock industry and supports perennial grassland agriculture.”

Cost of the short course is being largely offset by grants from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and the Iowa Beef Center. The course fee is $75; participants are urged to attend all sessions, but fees for individual sessions are available. Fees include a resource notebook, speakers, and refreshments.

For more information on specific locations or to register, contact the Benton County Extension Office, at 319-473-4739. For more details contact Denise Schwab at (319) 721-9624 or dschwab@iastate.edu.