"Back to the Basics of Grazing Management" is the theme for this year's Kansas Graziers Association Winter Conference. The conference is set for Saturday, Jan. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Salina.

"With so many new people interested in grazing management or wanting information on how to manage drought stressed pastures, we thought a full day of state experts on a number of critical topics was the best idea," says KGA secretary Mary Howell.

Speakers will include David Kraft, and Dwayne Rice, Kansas-based USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Rangeland Management Specialists. Kraft will address drought management, and Rice will compare conventional grazing to Management Intensive Grazing and and mob grazing.

Speakers will include David Kraft, and Dwayne Rice, Kansas-based USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Rangeland Management Specialists. Kraft will address drought management, and Rice will compare conventional grazing to Management Intensive Grazing and and mob grazing.

Gary Kilgore, retired KSU grass and forages specialist, will discuss soil health and fertility in grazing systems, and Dale Strickler, rancher educator, will cover plant physiology, forage options, and extending the grazing season. Rancher Ted Alexander will also lead a rancher/farmer panel on drought planning and general questions on grazing.

Registration fees are $50 for the first person per ranch, and $35 for a second person.  Student registration is $25. The Courtyard Marriott is located at 3020 Riffel Drive in Salina, near the Schilling Road exit from Interstate 135.

Check the KRC?website at www.kansasruralcenter.org for registration forms and information, or contact Mary Howell at marshallcofair@gmail.com or 785-562-8726 or call the KRC?office at 785-873-3431.

Co-sponsors include the Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, Kansas Rural Center, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, and Kansas Farmers Union.

The Kansas Graziers Association is sponsoring a social at the conference headquarters starting at 7 p.m. Friday night, Jan. 18 for those coming to Salina the night before. Everyone is welcome.