(Polar) Rotational grazing systems are designed to improve livestock health, production efficiency, and environmental stewardship. There are many different decisions that influence profitability, animal performance, and work ease on a farm with a grazing system. A pasture walk is being held on Saturday, May 11th that aims to help people better understand the opportunities of grazing, and for current grazing farms to learn about new technology options and think through production management decisions.
Pasture walks are meant to be a sharing of thoughts, ideas, and information in a production setting. The walk on May 11 is being hosted by Roseann and Scott Hoffman at their farm – SamathaRose & Co. – located at N3605 Cty. Hwy. S, Antigo, WI (one-half mile south of Hwy. 64 on S). The free event will begin at noon with a light lunch and will include many different discussion and demonstration topics. Hoffman’s will share their experiences with the NoFence system they have piloted on their sheep and beef, their farm’s transition processes (current transition is to fall calving), and other aspects of their grazing journey over the last 7 years. NoFence personnel will be on hand to demonstrate their novel GPS-based collars and management system.
Other discussion topics will include cost-share and technical assistance opportunities that can assist in a farm’s transition to rotational grazing. Regional Crops/Soils Educator Scott Reuss will be on hand to share information from the state-wide bale grazing soil health research project of which Hoffman’s are a part. Paddock and hay acres’ nutrient management will also be reviewed, with a quick overview of nutrient considerations to maximize forage quality and quantity. The group will also review practices to consider while managing the first flush of forage growth to set up your system for maximum production.
Registration is not required for this event, but if you have questions about the program, you can call or text UW-Madison, Division of Extension, Regional Crops/Soils Educator Scott Reuss at 715-701-0966 or e-mail to scott.reuss@wisc.edu
An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. Please call the Langlade County Extension office, 715-627-6238, to request any type of accommodation or assistance that you may require to attend this event. All requests will be kept confidential.
