Learning management-intensive grazing concepts and then applying the ideas with hands-on demonstrations is part of a four-day grazing school Monday-Thursday, June 25-28, near Lusk.
The sessions are intended for livestock producers looking to enhance grazing management skills and improve forage and livestock production, said Blake Hauptman, University of Wyoming Extension educator.
Half of each day is in the classroom learning management-intensive grazing concepts and then applying the concepts with hands-on demonstrations and using cattle provided by the Harsy Land and Cattle near Lusk, he said.
Jim Gerrish of American GrazingLands Services LLC, author of the book “Kick the Hay Habit” and a contributing writer for the Stockman Grass Farmer, will lead the class. Gerrish has over 20 years experience conducting beef-forage systems research and outreach at the University of Missouri, 20 years of commercial cattle and sheep production on his family’s farm in northern Missouri, and now manages a grazing operation near May, Idaho.
Feed costs are typically the number-one expense on most cow-calf operations, said Hauptman. Stockpiling forages and extending the grazing season while maintaining acceptable livestock performance can lead to major economic benefits for a ranch.
The class is focused on increasing ranch profitability by showing how to design water and fencing infrastructure to achieve better use and improve pasture health, Hauptman said.
“Whether you are wanting to set-up a management-intensive grazing operation on land that is irrigated or sub-irrigated or make improvements in grazing your upland pastures, I think you will be happy you attended this class,” he said.
Cost is $400 per person and $200 for each additional person from the same operation. Registration costs cover all noon meals, two dinners and class materials. Class size is limited, and registration is requested by June 15.
For more information or to have a brochure sent to register, contact Hauptman at 307-283-1192 or bhauptma@uwyo.edu, or Abby Perry at 307-328-2642 or ajacks12@uwyo.edu.
