Grazing
Initiative

For
the past 10 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 three additional Grazing Resource Specialists and a number of grazing
interns. Brian J. Brezinski, Haly Schultz and Kevin Mahalko are currently supporting the
Grazing program by assisting landowners who are transitioning to
Managed
intensive Grazing.

For the past 10 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.
Grazing Services Offered
- Technical Assistance
- On Farm Assistance
- Pasture layout and design
- Soil fertility resource assistance
- Pasture planting resource assistance
- Fence and water resource information
- NRCS - EQIP 528 Grazing Plan Assistance
- Educational Assistance - Coordination & Facilitation
- Farmer Driven Grazing Networks - Coulee, St. Croix Valley, & Chippewa Valley
- Pasture Walks
- Discussion Groups
- Special Events - Conferences, Speaker Meetings, Workshops, etc.
- Producing radio & TV programs related to grazing
- Training for agency personnel
Interested in our Grazing Services?
Please contact one of our Grazing Staff
Mary C. Anderson - Senior Resource Specialist

Office Location - Whitehall, WI
Coulee Grazier's Coordinator
Counties Served; Buffalo, Trempeleau, & Jackson
Phone: (715) 538-4396 Ext. 33
Email: mary.anderson@rcdnet.net
Brian J. Brezinski - Grazing Specialist

Office Location - Altoona, WI
St. Croix Valley Grazier's Coordinator
Counties Served; St. Croix, Pierce, Dunn & Pepin
Cell Phone: (715) 579-2342
Email: Brian.Brezinski@rcdnet.net
Haly Schultz - Grazing Specialist

Office Location - Altoona, WI
Counties Served; Chippewa, Eau Claire, Dunn & Clark
Cell Phone: (715) 225-9882
Email: Haly.schultz@rcdnet.net
Kevin Mahalko - Grazing Educator

Office Location - Altoona, WI
Chippewa Valley Grazier's Coordinator
Counties Served; Chippewa, Eau Claire, Dunn & Clark
Cell Phone: (715) 225-9879
Email: Kevin.mahalko@yahoo.com
West Central WI Spring Grazing Conference
Friday, March 12th, 2010- 29 Pines, Eau Claire, WI - 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Keynote Speaker - Greg Judy of Green Pastures Farm Rucker, Missouri

Farmer Panel to Follow
Interested in having a booth at the tradeshow or becoming a sponsor?
Thank you to our confirmed sponsors!
Flowering Level
Tiller Level
Root Level
In-Kind Donations
Wisconsin Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative
Vendors
Tschanz Farm ‘N’ Fence
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Organic Valley Family of Farms
Organic Farm Supply
Thousand Hills Cattle Company
Cutler Fence LLC
Wisconsin Grass-fed Beef Cooperative
NorthStar Bison Processing & Ranch
Taurus Service Inc. / (LIC) Livestock Improvement Corporation
Tri-State Ag Associates
**For More Information Contact River Country RC&D Grazing Staff**
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