Intro to Grazing & Pasture Assessment
Workshop/Field Day June 21 in Canby

CONTACT: Susan Hurst, LSP,320-269-2105 or fbwest@landstewardshipproject.org

6/11/08
CANBY, Minn.— Preparing a grazing plan and assessing pastures on a western Minnesota grazing operation will be the focus of a Land Stewardship Project Farm Beginnings® field day/workshop Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the Canby area. This is a public event but participation is limited to 20 people. There is a $20 fee for this event and pre-registration is required by June 19. To register and for more information, contact Susan Hurst at 320-269-2105 or fbwest@landstewardshipproject.org.

The morning session will be held at the Minnesota West Technical College campus in Canby.  During the class session, Howard Moechnig of Midwest Grasslands will discuss issues important in preparing a grazing plan. Topics to be covered include forage management, paddock location/size, watering options and lanes, as well as general concepts and indicators for developing and monitoring a grazing operation. Participants are encouraged to bring aerial photos, soil maps and topographical maps of their farms to begin planning.

In the afternoon, the event will move to the Lyle Kruse farm near Canby, where Moechnig will lead an assessment of the operation’s rotationally grazed pastures. During that session, participants will learn how to evaluate pasture conditions and identify forage species. They will also see firsthand how one farm has set up its paddocks and lanes.

In 2008, Farm Beginnings began its 11th year of providing firsthand training in low-cost, sustainable methods of farming. Farm Beginnings participants learn goal setting, financial planning, business plan creation, alternative marketing and innovative production techniques.

The course consists of a series of classes that take place twice a month between October and March. Classes are led by farmers and other agricultural professionals from the area. During the spring and summer, course participants have the opportunity to attend on-farm educational field days.

The 2008-2009 session of Farm Beginnings will begin this October, and be held in the Minnesota communities of Goodhue and Paynesville. In addition, a new Farm Beginnings course is being launched in northeast Minnesota this fall. For more information, see www.farmbeginnings.org, or call 507-523-3366.

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