Grazing economics, fencing and watering among topics; farm tours included
HOLTON, Kan. — Beginning and experienced farmers and ranchers are invited to participate in the annual Eastern Kansas Grazing School at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Holton on Sept. 13-14. The two-day management intensive grazing school is a hands-on learning experience to prepare participants to start their own rotational grazing system with forages adapted to eastern Kansas.
The event is planned each year by K-State Research and Extension agents and specialists and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Conservation Service range conservationists.
Topics to be covered include the science behind grazing, graziers arithmetic, matching livestock and forage needs, pasture layout and design, grazing economics, and fencing and watering designs. Hands-on field exercises will be included.
Speakers will include experts from Kansas and Missouri NRCS, University of Missouri Extension, and K-State Research and Extension. This school is appropriate for beginner and experienced graziers with information applicable to anyone interested in intensifying their grazing management system or increasing their forage management knowledge.
The school will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. both days at the Jackson County Fairgrounds located at the NE Kansas Heritage Complex at 12200 214th Road in Holton.
The Eastern Kansas Grazing School is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension, NRCS, and the Jackson County Conservation District. A $60 registration fee covers meals and materials. The school is limited to the first 35 farms to register. If a second family member registers, there is a $30 charge. Registration for the school is due by Sept. 6.
For more information and to receive a schedule and registration form, contact Jody Holthaus with the Meadowlark District Extension Office at 785-364-4125 or visit the website: www.meadowlark.ksu.edu.
