The successful “Grassroots Grazing” meetings that began last year in Iowa will be held in southern Iowa and in eastern Iowa this year. Young and beginning graziers are urged to attend these meetings to learn about improved grazing management techniques. But anyone who is older is also welcome to attend.

The second session in the three-part series, Grassroots Grazing, for young and beginning graziers in southern Iowa, is set for May 26 at the Tony Mullen farm near Corning. Iowa State University Extension beef program specialist Joe Sellers says this event will feature information on cover crop usage in beef operations and on yield prospects for no-till soybeans.

GRAZE COVER CROPS: Second session in a 3-part series called Grassroots Grazing will be held May 26 at Tony Mullen farm near Corning in southwest Iowa. This session will discuss cover crop use as a forage for beef cattle. Grassroots Grazing is also set for eastern Iowa.

Look at nutritional value of chopping rye to feed cows
“We’ll also take a look at a rye stand that will be chopped and bagged in the next few weeks, and talk about the nutritional value of ryelage,” Sellers says. The session begins at 6:30 p.m., which gives attendees time to attend a grilling event by the Adams County Cattlemen at the Corning Farmers Market before heading to the farm.

“The Beef Month grilling celebration at the Corning City Park runs 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., so people headed to the grazing session should plan to enjoy a sandwich by 5:45 and still get to the farm on time,” Sellers says. “From Casey’s in Corning, go west two blocks and turn right on Davis Avenue. Go two and a half blocks north and the barbecue events will be in the park to the left.”

No fee to attend, but preregistration is encouraged
To get to the farm, go north from Corning on Highway 148 approximately four miles to 183rd Street, also known as the Carbon Corner. Go west (left) one mile on 183rd Street to Holly Avenue and turn south (left) approximately ¼ mile. There’s a farmstead with a white house on the east (left) side of the gravel road. Drive through the farmstead to the machine shed.

“There is no fee to attend, but we encourage preregistration to ensure adequate materials for everyone,” Sellers says. “Please contact me at 641-203-1270 or ISU extension beef program specialist Chris Clark at 712-250-0070, or Brian Peterson at 641-344-1026 for more information.” Click here as the event flyer has more information.

The Grassroots Grazing series is provided by ISU Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. ISU Extension beef specialists will lead sessions with assistance from other producers and volunteers. Local sponsors are Southern Iowa Forage and Livestock Committee and the Adams County Cattlemen’s Association.

Grassroots Grazing program expands in east-central Iowa
The first-ever Grassroots Grazing program for young and beginning graziers was such a success last year that Iowa State University extension beef program specialist Denise Schwab says the program is expanding into east central Iowa this year. “This grazing management series is designed for young and beginning graziers, although anyone interested in basic grazing management is welcome to attend,” she says. “Grassroots Grazing is a three-part series with the first session held at Belle Plaine on Thursday, June 9. Participants will determine the next two dates and locations.” All participants will receive a resource manual for use throughout the course and at their farms. The first session includes discussion on controlling feed costs, goal setting for individual grazing systems, and comparing various grazing programs. The second and third sessions will include pasture walks and additional meetings on dates determined by the participants.

Resource manual to use for the course and on your farm
“There is no fee to attend, but we strongly encourage preregistration to plan for the meal and ensure adequate materials for everyone,” Schwab says. “Please register by June 3.” The first session will be Thursday, June 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Belle Plaine High School ag room. For more information or to preregister, contact Schwab by email at [email protected] or phone 319-721-9624.

The series is provided by ISU Extension and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. ISU Extension beef program specialists will lead sessions with assistance from other producers and volunteers.

The Iowa Beef Center at ISU was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from ISU, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information, visit iowabeefcenter.org.