Location: Shawano County Park – Indoor Pavilion
Agenda:
Intro – What is the value proposition of dairy heifer grazing?:
– Building the case for heifer grazing: economic and ecological outcomes (GL 2.0 modeling)
Speaker: Adam Abel, NRCS and Sarah Lloyd, UW-Madison
Animal Performance and Production:
– Ongoing UW and USDA research
– Summary of conversations with dairy nutritionists
Speakers: David Jamarillo, Matt Akins
Heifer Compass (and Grazescape) – (Intro and working in small groups)
TOUR two innovative farms and learn about what they’re doing
Stop 1 – Tauchen’s Heifer Grazing Operation
15 Years of Experience – Long term success
W4576 CTH-BE Bonduel, WI 54107
Stop 2 – Brown Star Farm’s Heifer Grazing Operation
New Grazier – Incorporating Covers/Annuals
10188-10198 Balcom Lake Rd. Gillett, WI 54124
Topics to be covered during the Field Day:
– Comparison between a newly established operation and another that’s been operating for 2 decades
– Incorporating managed grazing into your operation – management and planning considerations
– Grazing cover crops and summer annuals
– Options for late season grazing
– Incorporating managed grazing into your operation
– Looking at and managing BOTH long-term, established, perennial pasture and newly established pasture
– Farmer discussion on heifer health, and profitability
– One-on-one farmer interactions and why they’re grazing!
Farmer testimonials!:
“I’m getting my heifers out on managed pasture for the first time this summer. I’ve been thinking a lot about how it would work for my farm. When I heard about how well heifers on grass perform into 1st lactation, that’s what tipped the scales for me. I worked with a grazing planner, establish the pastures this spring on some row crop ground and contracted with the fencing company!” – Central Wisconsin dairy farmer
HOTEL/LODGING Information:
There are a few hotels in Shawano. The Quality Inn and Suites is mid-priced, has rooms available, and offers a free breakfast. website for booking
