9.22.2014
THIS BLOG IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED. PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST AMAZING GRAZING NEWS AND EVENTS.
Oct 31 & Nov 1: Fall Forage Tour, Courtland
Cattlemen and producers are invited to the Fall Forage Tour, Friday, October 31, 2014 and Saturday, November 1, 2014. The tour will begin at 1:00 p.m. on both days at the Dale Strickler Farm, one mile south of Courtland on the west side of the highway. Two audiences will benefit from participation in the Fall Forage Tour–cattle producers and those interested in utilizing cover crops to improve soil health. The tour will focus on improving soil productivity by using of cover crops, forages, and perennial grasses.
According to Strickler, ranchers have two options to increase cattle carrying capacity. They can choose “Horizontal Expansion” by acquiring more land–and more debt–or they can improve existing pastures through “Vertical Expansion.” Vertical Expansion increases the cattle carrying capacity by both expanding the root zone and increasing plant bio mass. Strickler advocates expansion of the root zone through the use of selected cover crops and enhanced soil biology.
Soil and plant roots tell the story of how managed grazing, re-growth, and rest effect not only the top growth of grasses but also their roots. To illustrate this, Strickler will dig a soil pit at his farm’s Eastern Gamagrass site permitting attendees to walk down into it and closely examine the roots and the soil beneath the grass. Dale will explain what is happening at the site so that ranchers can see for themselves that increased root depth results in elevated organic matter levels and improved biological activity in the soil. Expanding the root zone by managing the grazing has the potential to increase the land’s carrying capacity.
At the cabin site, ranchers will have the opportunity to view many varieties of cool season cover crops. Most varieties are solo seeded to see the effects of soil tolerances. Five different soil types exist at this location: Calcareous, eroded, poorly-drained bottom ground, well-drained bottom ground and saline sodic. Participants will see Eastern Gamagrass, Grazing Alfalfa, Low Alkaloid Reed Canary Grass, Dale’s Cover Crop Test Plot, Brown Midrib Forage Sorghum Sudan, Tropic Sun Non-Toxic Sun Hemp, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, and many other legume, forage and grass varieties.
Dale Strickler, is a former Agronomy Instructor at Concordia’s Cloud County Community College, Cover Crop and Forage Specialist for Star Seed and is passionate about soil health.
Dale purchased his irrigated farm in 2000, and slowly has transitioned it to a sub-surface drip irrigated grazing system. He utilizes annual and perennial pastures to grow the forage for his grazing operation. His ranch is an ongoing research classroom. His annual tours share the various practices that Dale utilizes to make his ranch more productive, reduce costs and improve soil health. Each year many different species of cover crops, legumes and forage possibilities are showcased to better understand how they can be used. He is a leader in helping farmers and ranchers find alternatives to purchased hay and expensive inputs especially during the recent drought. Dale is on the forefront of helping ranchers think through the endless possibilities to meet the needs of their ranch, livestock and financial situation. He is a phone call away and always willing to help. He presents at many meetings, does on farm tours and consulting. He is like the “energizer bunny” when it comes to teaching people about crops, grazing, and livestock.
Tours are offer at no cost, but RSVP is requested:
RSVP for FRIDAY Tour here.
RSVP for SATURDAY Tour here.
8.20.2014
Livestock Water and Fencing Development
Mark Green, NRCS specialist from Missouri will return to Kansas to offer his very popular workshop on electric fencing and livestock watering options September 9, 2014 in Topeka, KS. The workshop will be held at the Topeka Ramada, 420 SE 6th Avenue with registration beginning at 8:30 AM. The program lasts until 4:00 PM.
Green's workshop, which includes additional information for producers who have sheep and goats, is part of Amazing Grazing II: For Ruminants Great and Small, an evolution of the Amazing Grazing: Enhancing Risk Management Education for Kansas Graziers and Livestock Producers Project, which started July 1, 2014 and concludes June 30, 2015.
Water availability is the number one limiting factor for grazing possibilities. The addition of electric fencing will increase grazing options that can in-turn benefit range health, the soil, as well as improve production and profitability.
Green will explain electric fence products, the pros and cons of various materials used in electric fence construction, and installation techniques. Producers always enjoy Green’s cowboy humor and expertise from years of experience. He states:
I believe that folks in my line of work should gather information that works and pass it on to the ranchers I work with. What makes me different is that I am not selling anything; I am sharing the ideas I have seen visiting many ranches. Even little things can make a big difference. I will relay what works; as well as things to avoid in water and fencing.
He will also cover livestock watering topics, water distribution for improved grazing distribution, permanent and portable tanks, above and below ground pipeline, and water sources—wells, streams, springs, and ponds. Fencing and watering needs for sheep and goats will also be included in the workshop.
Save $5.00 with Earlybird Registration. Ends August 31!
Cost for the workshop is $30.00, which includes lunch and publications on electric fencing and water development. Please register by September 6.
Register online HERE.
Please contact Mary Howell at kfu.mary@gmail.com, or call 785-562-8726 with questions.
A block of rooms is being held at the Topeka Ramada, call 785-234-5400. Please check the website often for other upcoming events, and to sign up for our news as it happens: AmazingGrazingKansas.com
Along with Kansas Farmers Union and the Kansas Graziers Association, Amazing Grazing II partners include: Kansas NRCS, Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, Kansas State Research and Extension, Farm Credit, and the Kansas Grazing Land Coalition, with funding from North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Green's workshop, which includes additional information for producers who have sheep and goats, is part of Amazing Grazing II: For Ruminants Great and Small, an evolution of the Amazing Grazing: Enhancing Risk Management Education for Kansas Graziers and Livestock Producers Project, which started July 1, 2014 and concludes June 30, 2015.
Water availability is the number one limiting factor for grazing possibilities. The addition of electric fencing will increase grazing options that can in-turn benefit range health, the soil, as well as improve production and profitability.
Green will explain electric fence products, the pros and cons of various materials used in electric fence construction, and installation techniques. Producers always enjoy Green’s cowboy humor and expertise from years of experience. He states:
I believe that folks in my line of work should gather information that works and pass it on to the ranchers I work with. What makes me different is that I am not selling anything; I am sharing the ideas I have seen visiting many ranches. Even little things can make a big difference. I will relay what works; as well as things to avoid in water and fencing.
He will also cover livestock watering topics, water distribution for improved grazing distribution, permanent and portable tanks, above and below ground pipeline, and water sources—wells, streams, springs, and ponds. Fencing and watering needs for sheep and goats will also be included in the workshop.
Save $5.00 with Earlybird Registration. Ends August 31!
Cost for the workshop is $30.00, which includes lunch and publications on electric fencing and water development. Please register by September 6.
Register online HERE.
Please contact Mary Howell at kfu.mary@gmail.com, or call 785-562-8726 with questions.
A block of rooms is being held at the Topeka Ramada, call 785-234-5400. Please check the website often for other upcoming events, and to sign up for our news as it happens: AmazingGrazingKansas.com
Along with Kansas Farmers Union and the Kansas Graziers Association, Amazing Grazing II partners include: Kansas NRCS, Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, Kansas State Research and Extension, Farm Credit, and the Kansas Grazing Land Coalition, with funding from North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
8.18.2014
7.29.2014
Pasture-Based Sheep and Goat Production, Management and Marketing Workshop Slated for August 15-16 in Manhattan
Dr. Jim Gerrish, well known rancher, researcher, grazing educator and co-founder of the Missouri Grazing School, returns to Kansas to kick off Amazing Grazing II for Ruminants Great and Small. A workshop entitled “Pasture-Based Sheep and Goat Production and Marketing” will be August 15-16, 2014, in Manhattan at Four Points by Sheraton. Both days will run 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Jim will be able to help producers make better choices for their pasture situation. This workshop is tailored for small ruminant producers specifically! Jim Gerrish stated that “Sheep and goats offer opportunities for landowners as alternatives to raising cattle.
Greater production efficiencies, niche market values and ease of handling make sheep and goats particularly attractive for smaller acreages. Managing the smaller ruminants does require a different skill set than do cattle and require more attention to details of management. This workshop will cover topics including grazing practices for parasite management, fence and stock water development for ease of grazing, extending the grazing season and many others.”
Dr Brian Faris, KSU Animal Science Department Head of Sheep and Goats and the newly built small ruminant facility, will join the Manhattan Small Ruminant Workshop. Brian was raised in Texas and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sheep and goat industry to this workshop. The workshop will include a tour of the new facility; where a hands-on workshop for producers to learn small animal health management techniques will be held later in the fall.
Program Director, Mary Howell reported that, “Amazing Grazing II was written specifically to address many of the issues that small animal producers keep asking for. Two days spent with Jim and Brian will be well worth the time and money invested. Ranch managers will learn valuable grazing information and management skills that will improve production and profitability of their livestock enterprise. In addition to being educators, both Jim and Brian also are actual producers who raise sheep and goats.
Cost for the workshop is $60.00 and includes lunch and handouts.
For question on the workshop, please contact Mary Howell at kfu.mary@gmail.com, or call 785-562-8726
A block of rooms is being held until August 10th, at Four Points by Sheraton, Manhattan call 785-539-5311 and ask for Amazing Grazing Sheep and Goat Meeting.
Amazing Grazing II Partners with Kansas Farmers Union are: Kansas NRCS, Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, Kansas State Research and Extension, Farm Credit, Kansas Grazing Land Coalition, and Kansas Graziers with funding from North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
7.22.2014
Ranch Management for Successful Winter and Year-Round Grazing of Beef Cattle to be held August 13-14 in Topeka
SAVE $10 WITH EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION! Ends July 31st!
McPHERSON, KS - Dr. Jim Gerrish, well-known rancher, researcher, grazing educator, and
Better management of
ranch resources leads to increased performance of the grass and
forages, and Dr. Gerrish will help producers make better
choices for their pasture situation. Many ranchers are currently being
forced to de-stock due to drought conditions and lack of forage. Ranch
managers will learn valuable grazing information and management skills
that will improve production and profitability.
When asked why a
producer should attend this meeting, Gerrish replied, "Winter feed costs
are generally the biggest determinant of profitability in the cow-calf
business, but they don't have to be. This workshop will get you well
down the road to planning for and implementing year-round grazing on
your farm or ranch."
Gerrish continued, "Throw off the hay
addiction shackles of iron and oil and feel the freedom of grazing in
the grass. We will explore alternatives for extending the grazing season
in different environments, effectively grazing winter range and
pasture, as well as livestock selection and management to make sure the
cows work for you, rather than you working for your cows."
Topics to be covered
include: extending the grazing season, managing and planning for
successful winter grazing including nutritional requirements, using
winter annuals, effectively utilizing winter pastures for animal
performance, managing animal costs, and how calving date effects
profitability.
Program Director Mary
Howell reports, "Amazing Grazing II was written specifically to address
many of the issues livestock producers keep asking for. Two days spent
with Jim will be well-worth the time and money invested." Howell goes on
to say, "Ranch managers will learn valuable grazing information and
management skills that will improve production and profitability of
their livestock enterprise."
Cost for the workshop is $90.00, which includes lunch and handouts.
Register online HERE.
Download the Mail-In Registration Form.
Please contact Mary Howell at kfu.mary@gmail.com, or call 785-562-8726. A block of rooms is being held at the Topeka Ramada, call 785-234-5400. Please check the website often for other upcoming events, and to sign up for our news as it happens.
Register online HERE.
Download the Mail-In Registration Form.
Please contact Mary Howell at kfu.mary@gmail.com, or call 785-562-8726. A block of rooms is being held at the Topeka Ramada, call 785-234-5400. Please check the website often for other upcoming events, and to sign up for our news as it happens.
Along with Kansas Farmers Union and the Kansas Graziers Association, Amazing Grazing II partners include: Kansas NRCS, Kansas
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Kansas Center for
Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, Kansas State Research and
Extension, Farm Credit, and the Kansas Grazing Land Coalition, with funding from North Central Extension Risk Management
Education Center and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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