Grazing Resources & Research

An updated listing of contacts for each of Wisconsin’s Grazing Networks is now available. Check out WI Grazing Networks for a listing of who to contact in your area of the state for more information about pasture walk schedules and other grazing related activities for 2012.

Several updated resources are now available from Extension Farm Management specialists in the North Central Region for farm lease agreements, including a publication devoted to pasture lease arrangements. The resources can be accessed at: Ag Lease 101 and each publication includes worksheets to determine equitable lease rates, examples of lease agreements and tips for developing agreements between landlords and tenants.

It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since Wisconsin’s first statewide Grazing Conference was held in Wisconsin Dells. During that time “managed grazing” has emerged as a production system that is widely accepted and implemented as a way to reduce costs, build soil and water resources, keep animals healthy, and produce high quality food. This year’s 20^th annual GrassWorks Grazing Conference will be held January 12-14, 2012 at The Patriot Center in Wausau, WI. The event will look back on the progress grazing has made and anticipate how grazing will shape the future of agriculture.

The event will feature 20+ workshops, tradeshow, silent and live auctions, a musical jam session, delicious locally raised grass-fed foods, and numerous networking and community building opportunities. For a full conference schedule and online registration, go to the GrassWorks website, www.grassworks.org  or contact Conference Planner, Lanice Szomi by phone 715-965-8324 or email: grazingrocks@gmail.com

 Dr. Mark Renz, UW-Madison Extension Weed Scientist, offers several recommendations for those pasture managers who want to address pasture weed issues during the fall months. Check out his recent post in the Wisconsin Crop Manager newsletter:

Fall is a great time to manage pasture weeds http://bit.ly/o4R9Yq

UW Extension Ag Economists David Moll and Paul Mitchell have produced a a fact sheet about a new insurance option for graziers and forage producers,  Pasture, Rangeland & Forage (PRF) Insurance that will be offered to Wisconsin producers starting this fall.  This insurance option is based on a Rainfall Index rather than forage production and gives forage and livestock producers the ability to buy insurance protection for losses of forage for grazing or harvested for hay. The deadline for obtaining coverage for the 2012 production season is September 30, 2011. Contact your local crop insurance provider for more information.