Wisconsin Schools of Grazing

Two-day hands on intensives providing farmers with practical knowledge and physical skills in managed grazing

Personalized and Hands-On Training

The Wisconsin Schools of Grazing offer unique, hands-on educational experiences designed to empower graziers with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage pasture-based livestock systems. Our programs combine classroom learning with practical fieldwork, ensuring participants leave with actionable insights tailored to their specific farming operations.

Upcoming Schools

Registration Opens in Early Spring 2026!

Lancaster Grazing School

May 19th and 20th

7396 WI-35 & 81, Lancaster, WI 53813

Marshfield Grazing School

September 16th & 17th

208356 Drake Ave. N, Stratford, WI 54484

Taught by the experts

Expert graziers and teachers will teach you the wide range of core concepts you need to be a successful grazier. From the principles of managed grazing to the economics of grazing, we are here to answer all your questions.

In-Field Learning

Teachers will take you step-by-step through core skills such as estimating pasture yield, calculating paddock size, setting up the fence, and making a daily move with livestock.

Jumpstart Your Grazing

Tentative Agenda

Day 1

9:00 AM	Registration and refreshments
9:30 AM	Introductions
10:00 AM	Principles of managed grazing – Classroom Session – Laura
10:45 AM	Break and transition outside to pasture
11:00 AM	Measuring pasture yield – Field Session – Adam You will need your grazing stick, grazing stick fact sheet, and pasture forage availability worksheet
12:00 PM	Lunch
12:45 PM	Managing grazing to meet livestock nutritional needs – Classroom Session – Bill Halfman (M and S) also Dan Schaefer at Lancaster
1:30 PM	Graziers math: determining livestock carrying capacity – Classroom Session – Laura and Jason You will need the Graziers Math fact sheet
2:15 PM	Break
2:30 PM	Calculating paddock size for a group of livestock for 12 hours – Classroom Exercise – Laura and Jason You will need the Carrying Capacity and Paddock Size worksheets
3:15 PM	Animal Handling Basics – Classroom Session – Beth
3:30 PM	Break and transition to pasture
3:45 PM	Setting up a paddock: electric fencing basics, temporary fencing equipment AND set up the fence for a 12 hour move using your calculation – Field Demonstration – All
4:15 PM	Managing pasture for grassland birds – Ashly Steinke from Audubon

4:30 PM	Low-stress livestock handling, moving the herd to a new paddock, and observing grazing behavior and health indicators – Field Demonstration – Station Managers and all instructors
5:00 PM	Animal health and grazing genetics discussion- Classroom Session – Station managers You will need your Body Condition Score for Beef and Dairy sheets
5:30 PM	Transition to Dinner
6:00 PM	Dinner
	Dinner Conversation: Tips and Tricks: share your best ideas and worst mistakes with the group! – Adam, Jason, & Laura will go first!
8:00 PM	Wrap up

Day 2

7:45 AM	Refreshments
8:30 AM	Soil type, soil fertility and pasture productivity – Classroom Session – Jason Bring your own soil test information if you have it!
9:30 AM	Break and transition to pasture Make sure to take your grazing sticks and your pasture forage availability worksheet with you!
9:45 AM	Permanent grazing infrastructure: fencing, watering, lanes – Field Demonstration – Adam
10:30 AM	Checking up on your paddock and grazing animals – Field Session –All
11:15 AM	Introduction to pasture plant community – Field Session – All
12:00 PM	Transition back to classroom for lunch
12:15 AM	Lunch
12:45 PM	Economics of pasture systems – Classroom Session – Jason
1:30 PM	Establishing new pastures and renovating existing pastures – Classroom Session – Jason and Laura You will need the Pasture Renovation Worksheet
2:15 PM	Break – we’re in the final stretch! Get out and stretch your legs!
2:30 PM	Setting up Your Own Grazing System – Classroom Session – Laura You will need the 15 Tips Fencing Systems fact sheet
3:00 PM	Starting to set up your farm: get individualized assistance in planning your system – Classroom Exercise – All If you have your own grazing plan, soil samples, forage tests, etc. now is the time to pull them out!
4:00 PM	What did you learn? Large group discussion and fill out reviews
4:30 PM	Adjourn