Driftless Grazing School June 28-29, 2024
- Day 1: Friday, June 28, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 18769 Eagle Heights Rd., Caledonia, MN 55921
- Day 2: Saturday, June 29, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 13930 Holty Ridge Dr., Caledonia, MN 55921
Join the Land Stewardship Project for a two-day Grazing School in the rolling Driftless Region of southeastern Minnesota. This in-depth grazing school will be led by Jordan and Rachelle Meyer, plus a cohort of regional grazing leaders. Any grazier wanting to take their grazing skills to the next level should attend. Both beginning and seasoned farmers alike will benefit from the comprehensive, in-field experience that will be provided. Come prepared to network and ask questions. This event is limited to 70 people to allow for the best student-to-instructor ratio.
Topics will include:
- Soil health & biology
- Understanding your context
- Pasture establishment
- Observation & soil skills
- Multi-species grazing
- Fencing for multiple species
- Watering systems
- Managing for diversity in changing conditions
- Small-scale farming economics
- Technical assistance pointers (i.e. NRCS programs like EQIP)
Speakers:
- Jordan & Rachelle Meyer — Own and operate Wholesome Family Farms, a diversified, regenerative grazing farm where they raise dairy cows, goats, sheep, grass-fed beef, raw milk, and more. They prioritize profitability while fostering a love for farming, and are committed to leaving the land better than they found it. The Meyers are constantly innovating and trying new techniques.
- George Heller — Central Minnesota multi-species grazier.
- Clifford Johnson — Clifford farms 2,000 organic acres and grazes 270 animal units near Paynesville, Minn., with his wife, Heidi, and daughter, Sherlyn, plus his parents and brother.
- Jeff Duchene — State grazing specialist for the Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Jeff has worked with NRCS for over 15 years as a grazing specialist. During that time, he has worked with producers across the state on planning to improve grazing management.
- Nikki Meyer — Nikki is growing her farm to be financially and intentionally simple while also being eco-friendly and a profitable business. Nikki and Cody, along with their family, run a small, conventional farm where they raise beef, corn, soybeans, and forages.
- Zach Knutson — Zach Knutson has a master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics from Virginia Tech. He operates a diversified farm near Zumbrota, Minn., with his fiancé, Brooke, where they focus on combining grazing livestock with perennials.
Registration
Registration is required; RSVP by Wednesday, June 26. No walk-ups will be available. Limited to 70 spots. One person per registration form. Register using the form below. No fee. Upon registering, check confirmation e-mail for nearby lodging recommendations. We are accepting free-will contributions to help cover costs of food, speakers, and childcare. To donate, click here.
More Information
For more information, questions, or to change your registration status, contact LSP’s Alex Romano at aromano@landstewardshipproject.org; 641-220-6000.