Another site has been added to ISU Extension’s “Grassroots Grazing” series of evening meetings. In addition to Feb. 22 at Corning and Feb. 23 in Ames, there’s a new session that’s been added to the list. It will take place on March 22 at ISU’s McNay Research farm near Chariton.

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 Joe Sellers says the program is being expanded this year: the McNay site at Chariton in southern Iowa.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Another date and location has been added to Iowa’s Grassroots Grazing program in February and March. The meetings take place Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in Corning, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Ames and March 22 at 6 p.m.at ISU’s McNay Farm in Chariton.

Anyone interested in basic grazing management is welcome
“This grazing management series is designed for young and beginning graziers, although anyone interested in basic grazing management is welcome to attend,” he says. “Grassroots Grazing is a three-part series at two new locations, Corning and Ames. The Corning location begins Monday, February 22, and the Ames location starts the following day, on Tuesday, February 23. The McNay Session is March 22. Session times are slightly different, so be sure to note the start time for your preferred location.”

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.

“There is no fee to attend, but we strongly encourage preregistration to plan for the meal and ensure adequate materials for everyone,” Sellers says.  “Please register ahead regardless of the location you will attend.” The date, time, address and contact information for the initial session at each location is listed below, along with a link to the specific session flyer.

Corning on February 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. and running to 9:30 p.m.  St. Patrick’s Church, 607 6th Street (four blocks west of Casey’s) at Corning, Iowa. Contact: Joe Sellers, [email protected] or 641-203-1270; Chris Clark, [email protected] or 712-250-0070; Chris Nelson, Adams County Extension Office, 641-322-3184; Brian Peterson is a retired NRCS conservation official, and can be contacted at 641-322-3228.

Ames, February 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. and running to 8:30 p.m. ISU’s Hansen Ag Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Road, on south side of campus at Ames, Iowa. Contact: Joe Sellers, [email protected] or 641-203-1270; Erika Lundy, [email protected] or 515-294-9881

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

Chariton, March 22, starting at 6 p.m. and going to 8:30 p.m. at the McNay Research Farm near Chariton. “This grazing management series is designed for young and beginning graziers, although anyone interested in basic grazing management is welcome to attend,” says Sellers. “Grassroots Grazing is a three-part series with this first session running from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It includes a free dinner.”

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. “There is no fee to attend, but we strongly encourage preregistration so we can plan for the meal and ensure adequate materials for everyone,” Sellers says. “Please register by March 21.”

The date, time, address and contact information for the initial session is listed here, along with a link to the specific session flier. ISU McNay Research Farm, 45249 170th Avenue, Chariton, March 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m. See the session flier.

Here is the information for the sessions in February 22 in Corning and February 23 in Ames and the info on the newly scheduled March 22 session at McNay.