Greenhorn Grazing begins May 31 at McNay Farm
Livestock producers who want to learn about optimizing forage and livestock production while conserving natural resources are invited to attend the Greenhorn Grazing series at the Iowa State University McNay Research Farm near Chariton this summer and fall. Iowa State Extension and Outreach beef specialist Joe Sellers said the series has been a popular management course for producers over the years.
“This five-part series covers concepts relevant to all producers of grass-based livestock with topics ranging from managing grass growth and plant diversity to watering alternatives, cost share programs and pasture leases, and optimizing winter grazing,” Sellers said. “There are no repeated topics and each of the five sessions will be half classroom setting and half in the field, primarily in the McNay Farm pastures.”
Sellers and a variety of other experts from Iowa State, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dow AgroScience, Premier 1 Supplies and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will lead the discussions.
“The Greenhorn Grazing series was developed to deliver timely materials and hands-on learning for producers interested in improving their forage management system, including the financial aspect, on their farms,” Sellers said. “Producers will learn about improving productivity and be able to try their hand at pasture condition scoring and forage assessment.”
Individual workshops are scheduled for May 31, June 14, July 12, Aug. 30 and Nov. 8 at the ISU McNay Research Farm, 45249 170th Ave., Chariton. All begin at 4:30 p.m. and are expected to conclude at 9 p.m.
Support from Iowa State Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Lucas County helps keep the series cost low at $50. People are urged to register for and attend all sessions, but can attend individual sessions for $15 each. The fee includes the meeting, meal and a resource guide.
Please register by May 29 by calling either the Lucas County Extension Office at 641-774-2016 or Sellers at 641-203-1270. You can also email Sellers at [email protected].
