MSU Extension hosts virtual Beginner Grazing School
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EmailMSU Extension’s Beginner Grazing School will feature eight virtual sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Jan. 7 and running through January 30, 2025, from 7-8:30 p.m. EST.
People who have started a new business enterprise often learn that decisions made during the beginning stages of the business can have long-term consequences on the success or failure of the venture. For new graziers, decisions about whether to establish or renovate new pastures, soil fertility rates and fencing can be overwhelming and sometimes get missed. To assist new and existing graziers, Michigan State University Extension is offering a virtual Beginner Grazing School. The school is ideal for beginners interested in learning about grazing techniques and basic livestock nutrition.
This webinar series is suited for those working to enhance their grazing management skills, transitioning from a continuous grazing to a more management-intensive, regenerative system. According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, Michigan farmland contains 294,958 acres of pastureland. Often these acres are marginal ground which is minimally managed.
Beginner graziers will find this school an important step in becoming a successful grazier. MSU Extension is committed to helping you reach your goals and be outcome-driven.
Participants will meet and interact with MSU Extension educators and specialists on a wide variety of topics including:
- Jan. 7 - Introduction to Grazing and Graziers Are Grass Farmers
- Jan. 9 - Pasture Establishment and Renovations
- Jan. 14 - Soil Health and Fertility
- Jan. 16 - Nutrition, Health and Welfare of Grazing Animals
- Jan. 21 - Fencing and Water Systems for Grazing Management
- Jan. 23 - Simple Accounting and Basics of Determining if Grazing is Profitable with Yearly Farm Financial Analysis
- Jan. 28 - Regenerative Principles
- Jan. 30 - Working with NRCS, MAEAP and what is the Right-to-Farm?
The series will be held online from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. EST each Tuesday and Thursday starting Jan. 7, 2025, and ending on Jan. 30, 2025. Each session is recorded for later viewing for those who cannot attend live. The fee is $85.00 for all eight online sessions. The fee includes access to the live online trainings, recordings, plus a copy of the Midwest Cover Crops Field Guide and Forage Field Guide from Purdue.
For more information, or to register go to https://events.anr.msu.edu/2025BGS/
Registration ends on Jan. 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Successful graziers are flexible and adaptable to change. Make an investment for you and your farm, by attending the MSU Beginner Grazing School. If you have questions, please contact Kable Thurlow at 989-426-7741 or thurlowk@msu.edu.