K-State Research and Extension will host the 8th annual Eastern Kansas Grazing School April 24-25 in Ottawa. | Download this photo.
Eastern Kansas Grazing School to be held in Ottawa
Rotation grazing to be highlighted
March 6, 2019
OTTAWA, Kan. -- Rotation grazing is recognized as a way to utilize pastures and forages more efficiently. A collaboration of experts from K-State Research and Extension, Natural Resource Conservation Service and the University of Missouri are joining together to offer the Eastern Kansas Grazing School, a two-day event focused on rotation grazing and grazing-related topics.
The 8th annual school, this year is set for April 24-25 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Celebration Hall, 220 W 17th St. in Ottawa, Kansas. The event will highlight information presented both in the classroom and in nearby pastures.
Special presenters, Mark Green, Missouri NRCS and Wesley Tucker, University of Missouri Extension Service, will present and share their experiences each day. Green will discuss fencing options and water systems and development and Tucker will present the “Economics of Grazing” and will help producers with layout and design of grazing paddocks.
K-State Research and Extension agents David Hallauer, Meadowlark Extension District, and Darren Hibdon, Frontier Extension District, will give a presentation on how forages and grasses grow, including plant needs and the importance of rest to a plant.
Dale Blasi, Kansas State University beef specialist, will highlight how crop residues can be utilized by the grazing animal and what, if any, supplemental feeds are needed for various cattle production levels.
Doug Spencer, Kansas NRCS range specialist, will present the “Art and Science of Grazing.” He will lead a pasture allocation exercise at the farm and will discuss resource inventory and stocking rates.
Featured speaker Joe Harner, Kansas State University agricultural engineer will talk about the importance of low-stress cattle handling and what to look for when designing a facility. The presentation will include a demonstration using a bud-box designed by Harner.
The Grazing School is designed for adult learners and is limited to a maximum of 35 farms. Registration is $60 for the first person from the farm or ranch, and $30 each for additional persons from the same farm. Registration includes snacks, lunch both days, and proceedings. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis.
To register and pay online please go to: http://www.frontierdistrict.k-state.eduor send your registration form and check to Frontier District Extension, PO Box 400, 128 West 15th St., Lyndon, Kansas 66451. Questions may be directed to Rod Schaub, Frontier District Agent by calling 785.828.4438 or email: rschaub@ksu.edu .
