By Blake Jackson
Livestock producers in Missouri looking to boost their profitability through efficient forage management can benefit from a three-day Management Intensive Grazing School. This collaborative program, offered by MU Extension, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Missouri Forage and Grasslands Council, equips producers with the knowledge and skills to optimize their grazing practices.
The curriculum dives deep into various aspects of forage management, encompassing the "art and science" of grazing, soil health and fertility, plant growth patterns, and maintaining forage quality and persistence. Participants will also learn about fencing and water system design, critical factors for effective rotational grazing. Matching livestock needs with available forage resources is another key area of focus, ensuring animals receive proper nutrition directly from pastures. The program even explores the economic benefits of management-intensive grazing, helping producers understand the return on their investment.
But classroom learning isn't the only thing on the agenda. The school incorporates valuable hands-on experiences through outdoor field exercises and tours of operational grazing farms. This allows participants to see these techniques in action and ask questions directly to experienced producers.
An additional perk? Completing this program fulfills a requirement for cost-share funding from the Missouri Soil and Water Conservation District (MO SWCD) for grazing system development. It can also potentially aid in securing funding from the NRCS for similar projects.
Those interested can register online or by contacting the St. Clair County MU Extension Center before the deadline. The program is affordably priced at $200 per person, with a discount offered for additional participants from the same farm. Lunch and refreshments are included throughout the three days.
This Management Intensive Grazing School is a valuable opportunity for Missouri livestock producers to gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to optimize their forage management strategies, ultimately leading to a more profitable and sustainable operation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: Missouri, Education, Livestock