Larry Tranel,
dairy, dairy/beef and forage field specialist
Situation
Livestock producers have identified grazing as a profitable means of reducing
forage costs and labor. Dairy, dairy/beef and forage field specialist, Larry
Tranel, in conjunction with NRCS and CHIPS technician, Ron Claussen identified
the need for basic grazing management skills in Jackson County. Cow/calf producers
needed to be educated to take better advantage of the forage resource base and
the beef cattle industry.
Response
In response to the need to spread grazing management skills, a rotational grazing
field presentation was held on the Andrew Jackson demonstration farm. Information
relating to managing intensive grazing was discussed and distributed. Field
specialist Larry Tranel led the majority of the pasture management discussion
on basic grazing skills.
Impact
Twenty-one people from three counties attended the pasture walk. Novice producers
reported being impressed with learning why rotational grazing works. A more
experienced grazer reported that after listening to the informal presentation
he now understood the mistakes and implications of his current management techniques.
A third grazer reported increased enthusiasm for building up his grazing system
with more cows and pasture. Based on the questions asked, the individuals in
charge felt the knowledge of producers for grass growth, grazing practices,
pasture establishment, species determination, fertilization requirement, watering
avenues, harvest management, bloat deterrence and production increases were
all furthered due to the pasture walk and the information provided by ISU Extension.
Participants outlined additional needs on grazing and requested follow-up through individual farm visits. They also requested more information on improving their intensive grazing management skills. Thanks to a mini-grant from the Iowa Beef Center, more demonstration work will be done in watering systems and seeding of pastures in the next year.
Page last updated:
July 8, 2006
Page maintained by Linda Schultz, lschultz@iastate.edu
