River Country RC&D

Grazing Initiative

 

 

For the past 8 years, River Country RC&D has been dedicated to assisting farmers switch to Managed intensive Grazing (MiG) from a conventional system of farming in our 12 county area.

Managed intensive Grazing (MiG) is the rotation of cattle within a pasture, allowing only a portion of that pasture to be grazed.  This is accomplished through subdividing each pasture into smaller units called paddocks where livestock are rotated from one paddock to another.  Each rotation allows for individual paddocks within a pasture to have a rest period, allowing for forage plants to renew energy, grow their root systems, and provide long-term root reserves for quality forage production.

The intensity of rotational grazing can vary depending on a multitude of factors.  Under a MiG system, the level of management is more intense, including more paddocks, shorter grazing periods, and long rest periods.  Usually, under a MiG system, livestock production per acre increases.

In Wisconsin, MiG is growing tremendously.  In 1993, 7% of dairy farmers used MIG, and in 2003 the percent rose to 23%, a 16% increase. (Tom Kriegl and Ruth McNair, Pastures of Plenty)

Numerous benefits are associated with Managed intensive Grazing. These include sustainable land use that supports rural communities, lower production costs, financial benefits, reduced labor, clean air and water, improved herd health, wildlife habitat advantages, and healthier food for human consumption. It has been shown that graziers average about $200 more per cow net farm income than confinement dairy operations. Most graziers also suggest they have more time to spend with family and friends since moving livestock averages only 15 minutes.

Mary C. Anderson, River Country RC&D Grazing Specialist, is a leading force in the grazing movement across Wisconsin.  Throughout the 8 years of the program, she has planned and implemented over 3,000 acres of grazing lands and has contacted and provided service to over 2,000 landowners. 

During the past three years, River Country RC&D has been able to bring on two additional Grazing Resource Specialists and a number of grazing interns. Brian John Brezinski and Lance Klessig are currently supporting the Grazing program by assisting landowners who are transitioning to Managed intensive Grazing.

 

The project also entails coordination and hosting pasture walks, winter meetings, training for agency personnel, workshops and producing radio and TV programs related to grazing. 

Throughout the 8 years, River Country RC&D has partnered with the Coulee Grazing Network, Chippewa Valley Grazing Network, St. Croix Valley Grazing Network, Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Many County Land Conservation Departments, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Grass Works, Inc., Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy Farmers, Great Lakes Grazing Network, and the Wisconsin Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Coalition.

*Click the "Current Events" link at the bottom of this page to view 2008 local Grazing Network schedules*