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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
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 ConferenceRegistration BrochureFriday, 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, MissouriFarmer Panel to FollowInterested in having a booth at the tradeshow or becoming a sponsor?Tradeshow/Sponsorship FormThank you to our confirmed sponsors!Flowering LevelGrass Point FarmsWisconsin Milk Marketing BoardTiller LevelOrganic Valley of FarmsPrairie Creek SeedSacred Heart HospitalRoot LevelOlson’s Woodville MeatsIn-Kind DonationsGraze MagazineGrass Point FarmsOrganic Valley Family of FarmsWisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer ProtectionWisconsin Grazing Lands Conservation InitiativeDunn County Land Conservation DivisionVendorsTschanz Farm ‘N’ Fence Chippewa Valley Technical College Organic Valley Family of Farms Organic Farm Supply 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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Donate River Country Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council is a non-profit 501 (c)3 tax exempt organization that initiates and facilitates wise use of natural, human and economic resources. The River Country RC&D Council prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Copyright 2005 River Country Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. All rights reserved. |