2005 Year in Review

Mechanics of Grazing Demonstrated June 30 in Whiteside

by: Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, Crop Systems, Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois, Phone 815/397-7714; FAX 815/397-8620; Email: morrison@uiuc.edu

Mechanics of Grazing is the title of an on-farm pasture workshop set for June 30 at the Tom Huizenga Farm, 16421 Millard Road (2 miles south of Highway 30 west of Morrison). The workshop will focus on many of the “how to” aspects of implementing a management-intensive grazing program.

Topics to be discussed and illustrated include designing effective watering systems, measuring forage available for grazing, and determining the size of the paddocks. In addition, grazing system layout and design considerations, fencing, and watering options will be demonstrated. USDA cost-share programs and what they can offer to graziers will be highlighted. Speakers will be from University of Illinois Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Huizenga Farm is a purebred Simmental beef cow-calf operation consisting of 46 cows. Currently, they have 52 acres of pasture divided into 5 paddocks on a 5- to 7-day grazing period. One of their goals for the next five years is to convert cropland to additional managed-grazing acreage.

Registration begins at the Huizenga Farm at 8:30 am and the program is from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. A $20.00 registration fee per person is due by June 23 (a second person from the same operation may attend for $10.00) to Whiteside County Extension, 100 East Knox, Morrison, IL 61270; phone 815-772-4075. After June 23, there will be a $25.00 per person charge ($15.00 for the second person from the same operation). The fee covers handout material, lunch, and refreshments. A minimum registration of 15 persons is needed to conduct the program, and the maximum registration is 45 people.

Mechanics of Grazing is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Soil and Water Conservation District in Whiteside County. Further information is available by contacting Greg Clark, Unit Educator, Crops Systems, University of Illinois Extension, Whiteside County, phone 815-772-4075.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
June 14, 2005