GrassWorks

Pasture Walk: Evaluating December Frost Seeding and Appraisal of Different Watering Systems
2024-05-29 15:30 - 17:30 UTC | Wisconsin
Hosted by Great River Graziers
Evaluating December frost seeding. Appraisal of different watering systems for a 30+ cow/calf and separate meat-sheep flock. Guest resource: Carolyn Idhe, UW & lowa Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist
Great River Graziers Pasture Walks

Full Circle Organic Experience Field Day
2024-06-01 15:00 - 21:00
Hosted by Marbleseed
Register Here
Join the 2024 Marbleseed Farmers of the Year for a tour of their farm! Learn from their diversified enterprises including organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, pastured pork and poultry as well as conservation practices implemented on the farm. Come at any point during the day to see these different enterprises and learn more from these amazing farmers.
The Adamski family’s roots stretch back five generations on their 240-acre farm in Seymour. Rick and Valerie use managed grazing as the cornerstone method for raising certified organic beef. The farm provides a balanced ecological system to protect waterways, increase soil health and sequester carbon, and increase wildlife and biodiversity.
A chicken taco bar lunch will be available for $5 per person and sponsored by Blue Farm.
There will also be informational tables from other relevant sustainable agriculture organizations, a petting barn and lots of time for networking with farmers and consumers interested in organic agriculture.
This Field Day is put on with financial assistance from the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)

Agroforestry in a Grassland Landscape Context
2024-06-03 14:00 - 20:00
Hosted by Southern Driftless Grasslands
Register Here
Habitat needs of wildlife that depend on large, contiguous tracts of open lands – grassland birds and migratory Monarch butterfly in particular – is especially important in the southern Driftless Area in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. Agroforestry is an increasingly discussed agricultural practice with many benefits but when inappropriately sited can have detrimental impacts on species of federal and state concern. Siting projects with landscape context in mind is critical to supporting wildlife on working lands in a grassland landscape. Join us to share knowledge and considerations for agroforestry planning in context of landscape scale goals.
Lunch to be provided.

MNGLCA GrazeHERs Conference
2024-06-04 00:00 - 2024-06-06 00:00
Hosted by MN Grazing Lands Conservation Association
Register Here
Participants will learn the basics of grazing livestock, pasture management, and goal setting for their operation. The GrazeHERS event is geared towards women interested in learning the principles of grazing livestock. This event is made up of women presenters, hosts, and supporters motivated to share their knowledge about the grazing industry.
Keynote address by Sara Bauder – SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist.

Brattset Family Farm - Grazing for Grassland Bird Habitat
2024-06-04 19:00 - 21:00
Guest Speaker: Ashly Steinke, Grassland Ecologist, Audubon SocietyLearn about the Audubon Conservation Ranching Program, and what you can do to help grassland birds on your farm!Register Here
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Pasture Walk: Grazing on Public Land
2024-06-05 22:00 - 2024-06-06 00:30
Hosted by Golden Sands RC&DRSVP by June 3rd to grazing@goldensandsrcd.org
Join us at the PaulJ Olson Wildlife Area and Prairie Pastured Beef LLC to learn about several practices the DNR and Carl have implemented on the land including:

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
Audubon Grassland Bird Certification
Public Land Grazing
New Well with Solar Pump

This event is FREE! Snacks and refreshments following the event provided by Otto’s Meats and WI DNR
RSVP by June 3rd: Contact Brooke at 715-343-6215 x709 grazing@goldensandsrcd.org
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Pasture Walk: Parlor Lessions, Seeding for Stockpile, and Certifications
2024-06-07 15:30 - 17:30
Hosted by Great River Graziers
Parlor lessons from inception to completion; new seeding for stockpile; next steps- grass milk and organic certification, how-to and expectations. Walk followed with light lunch! Guest: Rhonda Gildersleve, retired organic grassmilk farmer.
Great River Graziers Pasture Walks

Pasture Walk: Spring Flush at Scott Brandenburg and Nick Dobberpuhl Farms
2024-06-07 18:30 - 20:30
Hosted by Glacierland RC&D
1:30-2:30pm6754 County Road W, Greenleaf WI
Learn how to estimate forage for proper rotational grazing at Brandenburg’s farm
2:30-3:30pm5886 County Road X, De Pere, WI
Guest speaker Derrick Raspor of NRCS will discuss grazing summer annual forages and new seeding on Dobberpuhl’s farm.
No registration required.
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Bulas Pleasant Valley Farm - Summer Field Day
2024-06-10 19:30 - 23:00
Hosted by Wisconsin Women in Conservation
Register Here
Pack your camp chair and join us for a summer’s afternoon in June!

All women farmers, landowners and conservationists from Sauk, Columbia, Green Lake and surrounding counties are welcome to attend– whatever your background, from beginners to experts!

Curious about sustainable, organic farming practices? This is the field day for you! Maureen has progressed through various models of production, from conventional, to organic, to what is now termed as regenerative. Maureen is the Sauk County Conservation Coach for the WiWiC project and has been instrumental in implementing conservation practices on the land. At this field day, you will get to hear from her on why conservation is so important to this family, and how they have prioritized this work on the family farm. We are thrilled to also have Maureen’s daughter, Justine, participate in this field day. She centers conservation in her career path and her role on the family farm. We’d love to have you join them in conversation about what they are thinking about and planning for next steps on the farm.

Catering will be provided by The Relish Tray Bistro and Catering- focusing on the foods grown on the farm (doing beef sliders and a variety of veggie-forward dishes based on what is in season). This is a woman-owned business.

Please note that we will need participants to bring camp or lawn chairs. Thank you!

Resource Experts Attending: Conservation Coach Maureen Bula, Bula’s Pleasant Valley Farm
Speakers:
Janice Kelly: USDA-NRCS Resource Conservationist located in Baraboo
Melissa Schlupp: Sauk County Land Resources & Environment Department, Conservation Manager
Wisconsin Women in Conservation Host: Allison Crook, WI Farmers Union
Location: Bula’s Pleasant Valley Farm

Event Details:

Event is free to attend but registration is required and space is limited.
Women, all who identify as such, are welcome to attend – from landowners to farmers to conservationist enthusiasts – whatever your background, from beginners to experts! Our WiWiC events follow a Learning Circle model, with ample time and a safe space for story sharing, networking and collaborative learning. We all have something to both share and learn together.
Dress for the weather. Bring a sunhat, sunscreen and good walking shoes. Please bring a chair/camp chair.
This event is outdoors and no masks are required. Social distancing is encouraged.
Photos will be taken at this event and used for educational purposes only by WiWiC and the partner groups. If you do not wish to have your picture taken, let the on-site WiWiC host know.
WiWiC is a family-friendly space and you are welcome to bring your children. We will have some independent kids activities available.

Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC) is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with Wisconsin Farmers Union, Renewing the Countryside and Marbleseed (formerly MOSES). A five-year multi-faceted project funded by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), WiWiC brings together Wisconsin’s women landowners, farmers, farm workers, urban growers, and conservation professionals to connect and share about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.

Sauk Co. Jim Gerrish Event
2024-06-11 14:00 - 20:00
Hosted by Sauk County
Register Here
Learn from Jim Gerrish, an independent grazing lands consultant at this grazing workshop. Join SSWIG, the Producers of Lake Redstone, Farmers of the Lemonweir Valley, and the Lake Wi Farmer Watershed Council for a day of learning.
Location:

Morning à UW Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, Giese Lecture Hall (1006 Connie Rd., Baraboo)

Afternoon Pasture Walk à Sauk County Farm (S4555 County Rd. CH., Reedsburg)

Cost: $15.00/person

Kenosha Co. Rotational Grazing Workshop with Jim Gerrish
2024-06-12 14:30 - 21:30
Register Here
$10/person
Learn from Jim Gerrish, a grazing expert and consultant to farmers and ranchers across the world. This full day workshop will begin inside with a class at Seno Conservancy, include a catered lunch, and end with hands-on demonstrations on Starry Nights Farm, a rotationally grazed farm in Burlington.

Improving Farm Resilience with Pollinator Habitat - Producer-Led Field Day
2024-06-12 15:00 - 19:00
Hosted by the U.S. Dairy Forage Research CenterRSVP Here
Producer-Led Field DayImproving Farm Resilience with Pollinator Habitat
Join us for a unique opportunity to learn from other farmers about their experiences managing pollinator-friendly habitats on farm lands. Stay for lunch hosted by Alsum Farms and a Resources Fair featuring representatives from various organizations that aid landowners in establishing biodiverse landscapes.
10 AM Registration and welcome10:30 AM Alsum Farms prairie walking tour11:45 AM Farmer Q+A panel12:30 PM Lunch and Resources Fair

Ozaukee Co. Jim Gerrish Workshop
2024-06-13 14:30 - 20:30
Register Here
$10/person
A morning with Jim Gerrish at the Fredonia Village Center, filled with a variety of rotational grazing topics. After provided lunch, we will move to our local graziers’ operation, Tim and Jane Grube. There Jim will join us for a pasture walk across the Grube’s brand new grazing system.

Fencing Workshop: Grazing Fence Demonstration
2024-06-13 20:30 - 22:30
Hosted by Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning and Golden Sands RC&D
No registration required. This event is free with snacks and refreshments provided.
Learn to build fence with Randy Cutler.
Participants will:

Learn about fence materials, tools, and equipment
Understand best practices for building fence
Get hands-on learning
Discuss funding available

Have questions? Contact grazing@goldensandsRCD.org or brooke.bembeneck@co.marathon.wi.us
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Gaska Farm Pasture Walk
2024-06-14 14:00 - 19:00
Hosted by Dodge County
This event is free to attend and includes a lunch
To register for this event, call the Dodge County Land and Water Conservation Department at (920) 386-3660 by Monday June 10th.Topics

Planning Grazing on your Farm

Decision Making
Management

Grazing Infrastructure

Fences
Livestock Waterlines
Forage Selection
Grazing Lanes

Alternative Forage Solutions

Interseeding Cover Crops
Grazing cover crops planted after wheat

Grazing Economics

Profitability
Making grazing make sense for you

Oneida Nation Farm - Managed Grazing for Wildlife Habitat
2024-06-18 23:00 - 2024-06-19 01:00
Hosted by GrassWorks, Glacierland RC&D, and Oneida Nation Farm
Register Here
Hear from livestock managers and Audubon Society on grassland bird habitat within rotational grazing.
See the Oneida Nation Black Angus cow/calf herd managed by TJ Swiecichowski and Karla Habeck. We will also be hearing from Ashly Steinke and Tom Prestby from the Audubon Society on how rotational grazing can benefit grassland bird habitat. Oneida Nation Farm will also provide snacks and beverages.
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Agroforestry Field Day
2024-06-19 16:00 - 22:00
Hosted by Riveredge
Register Here
Riveredge welcomes anyone interested in planting native species for landscaping, wildlife restoration or agriculture at Agroforestry Field Day! This year’s Field Day will focus on the care and maintenance of native crops grown at the Sandhill Lake silvopasture project (hazelnut, elderberry, heritage apples and prairie). As these species are grown in residential, agricultural and natural systems, there is relevant information for land owners, managers, municipalities, farmers, students, and anyone interested in landscape diversity.
Increase your success by better understanding the care and management truly needed to yield good planting establishment for native fruits, nuts and prairie. Enjoy light refreshments at check-in and catered lunch through Cedarburg’s Out & Out! See the itinerary, read session descriptions, and learn more about the speakers below.
Ages 18+
Members*: $55 | Non-members: $65 | Student: $30 | Farmer: $30
Pre-registration required by May 17 at noon.

Agroforestry and Silvopasture Training for Agency and Professionals
2024-06-20 15:00 - 19:30
Hosted by GrassWorks G-Team and Savanna Institute
Register HERE!10 am to 12 pm – Tour of North Farm – Savanna Institute Demo FarmE6856 WI-60 Trunk, Spring Green, WI 53588Agroforestry and Silvopasture training for agency and professionals.Tour to be led by Meg & Erik & Lucas of Savanna Institute
12:30 to 2:30pm – Elderflower Retreat Center (15 min drive)6511 Hillside School Rd, Spring Green, WI 53588Lunch – delicious lunch catered by Savanna Institute – $18/lunch ticketDiscuss North Farm set up and if that system could work for our clientsTour Silvopasture by removal on siteDiscuss NRCS contracting questions for silvopasture
Lunch catered by Wander Provisions and sourced from local and grass-based farmers!

Whetstone Farm and Cultivating the Commons
2024-06-22 15:00 - 17:00
Hosted by River Country RC&D and River Country Grazing Network
Come tour a collaboratively run grazing operation (alongside vegetable and seed production).
These farms collaboratively manage 176 acres with rotationally grazed livestock and have completed EQIP programs as well as working with Polk County Land and Water.
Together they were able to improve their livestock operations to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat. Whetstone Farm manages a flock of crossbred sheep (200+ head) and a small herd of Galloway cattle (18 head).

There will be a soil health discussion led by UW-Madison Extension crops specialist on challenges of converting cropland to perennial forage production.
This educational event will include multi-enterprises, grazing planning, direct marketing, multi-species grazing, winter bale grazing, CSA and vegetable seed production, and a soil health discussion. Sponsored by Northwest Graziers, River Country RCD and UW-Madison Extension.
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Field Day: Bouressa Farm Gathering
2024-06-23 19:00 - 21:00
Hosted by River Alliance of Wisconsin
Register Here
Food, music, fun on the farm. We’ve got that planned for a field day on June 23.
Come to the Bouressa Family Farm to learn about how regenerative agriculture can protect water. This is a family-friendly, fun, and educational event to learn about regenerative agriculture and how to get involved in supporting a sustainable farm future.
Tickets for adults are $20 (or pay what you can) and kids are free. Food is included in the ticket price, along with a bluegrass show, farm tour, hay rides, raffles, screen printing and more.
BONUS – Those who register are entered to win a Happy Camper prize pack from Fontana Sports or a freezer box from Sitka Seafood Market.
The River Alliance crew hopes you can come and see regenerative agriculture in action. Kids are welcome and may leave inspired by seeing earth-friendly farming up close.
Questions? Contact Mike Tiboris at mtiboris@wisconsinrivers.org
Want to volunteer? We could use helpers with set up, clean up, and even direct folks from the parking area. If you want to help with the event, contact Mike at mtiboris@wisconsinrivers.org.
This event is brought to you by River Alliance of Wisconsin and Bouressa Family Farm. Groups that will share information about regenerative farming include Savanna Institute, GrassWorks 2.0, the Sand County Foundation and the National Resources Conservation Service.

Pasture Walk with Christopher Baird: Farm Financial Overview
2024-06-25 15:30 - 17:30
Hosted by Great River Graziers
Farm financial overview of a 50 cow Jersey dairy.
Great River Graziers Pasture Walks

Meeting Market Opportunities and Farm to Food Access Needs: Marketing Cattle, Sheep and Goat
2024-06-25 23:00 - 2024-06-26 00:30
Hosted by Wisconsin Local Food with Abdullah Hussaini of Equity Livestock
Are you a cattle, sheet, or goat farmer looking for new markets?
This WILFPA Program webinar will share on strategies to keep WI meat producers competitive while increasing wholesale capacity in a changing landscape, by engaging both ethnic and commercial livestock markets to feed Wisconsin communities.
Register at:
wilocalfood.org/events/meat-marketing

Field Day: Starting a Commercial Sheep Farm from Scratch
2024-06-26 14:30 - 18:00
Hosted by Sand County Foundation
Register Here
Jeremie Favre and Ellen Geisler began a commercial meat sheep ranch centered around managed grazing in 2022. They are eager to share their experiences with others interested in making a similar transition.
Come learn:

How managed grazing provides excellent nutrition for productive livestock
The importance of the right grass-legume mix
How to raise prolific sheep that lamb every 8 months

A rainfall simulator will also demonstrate how different field management practices impact soil erosion and water infiltration.
This event is free.
POTLUCK LUNCH – Please bring a dish to pass. Refreshments will be provided.

Wagner Family Farm
2024-06-26 23:30 - 2024-06-27 01:30
Hosted by River Country RC&D and River Country Grazing Network
This educational event will include organic dairy, soil health, composting, direct marketing, establishing an on the farm store, silvo-pasture and exploration of farm tourism. Sponsored by River Country RCD/Grazing Network, Eau Claire County American Recovery Plan Act and the USDA-NRCS, under number NR195F48XXXXC008. USDA and Eau Claire County are equal opportunity providers and employers.

Pasture Walk: Solar Watering System & Handling Facilities
2024-06-27 23:00 - 2024-06-28 01:00
Hosted by Marathon County Department of Conservation, Planning & Zoning
Solar Watering System & Handling Facilities @ Bella Hof Family Farm
Jeff and Michaela Levich of Bella Hof Family Farm are hosting a pasture walk Thursday, June 27th from 6PM to 8PM. This pasture walk will be hosted at their satellite farm where they rotationally graze their heifers and steers. This is a remote location, so the cool thing about this site is that they installed solar panels to supply power to their water pump and fence energizer. We will also discuss how they handle cattle at this remote acreage along with pasture fertility on sandier soils, along with any thing else that comes up! Bring your questions. 🙂
The land they graze is located around this address: 173304 Church Rd, Aniwa, WI, 54408. Please do not park in this driveway as it is not owned by the Levich’s. We will park along Church Road. Watch for the Pasture Walk Signs to guide you!
Jeff & Michaela Levich have white park beef cattle on sandy soils w/ solar watering system

Driftless Grazing School
2024-06-28 00:00 - 2024-06-30 00:00
Hosted by the Land Stewardship Project
Learn More Here
Register Here
Join the Land Stewardship Project for a two-day Grazing School in the rolling Driftless Region of southeastern Minnesota. This in-depth grazing school will be led by Jordan and Rachelle Meyer, plus a cohort of regional grazing leaders. Any grazier wanting to take their grazing skills to the next level should attend. Both beginning and seasoned farmers alike will benefit from the comprehensive, in-field experience that will be provided. Come prepared to network and ask questions. This event is limited to 70 people to allow for the best student-to-instructor ratio.
Topics will include:

Soil health & biology
Understanding your context
Pasture establishment
Observation & soil skills
Multi-species grazing
Fencing for multiple species
Watering systems
Managing for diversity in changing conditions
Small-scale farming economics
Technical assistance pointers (i.e. NRCS programs like EQIP)

Speakers:

Jordan & Rachelle Meyer — Own and operate Wholesome Family Farms, a diversified, regenerative grazing farm where they raise dairy cows, goats, sheep, grass-fed beef, raw milk, and more. They prioritize profitability while fostering a love for farming, and are committed to leaving the land better than they found it. The Meyers are constantly innovating and trying new techniques.
Clifford Johnson — Clifford farms 2,000 organic acres and grazes 270 animal units near Paynesville, Minn., with his wife, Heidi, and daughter, Sherlyn, plus his parents and brother.
Jeff Duchene — State grazing specialist for the Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Jeff has worked with NRCS for over 15 years as a grazing specialist. During that time, he has worked with producers across the state on planning to improve grazing management.
Nikki Meyer — Nikki is growing her farm to be financially and intentionally simple while also being eco-friendly and a profitable business. Nikki and Cody, along with their family, run a small, conventional farm where they raise beef, corn, soybeans, and forages.
Zach Knutson — Zach Knutson has a master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics from Virginia Tech. He operates a diversified farm near Zumbrota, Minn., with his fiancé, Brooke, where they focus on combining grazing livestock with perennials.

Registration
Registration is required; RSVP by Wednesday, June 26. No walk-ups will be available. Limited to 70 spots. One person per registration form. Register using the form below. No fee. Upon registering, check confirmation e-mail for nearby lodging recommendations. We are accepting free-will contributions to help cover costs of food, speakers, and childcare. To donate, click here.
More Information
For more information, questions, or to change your registration status, contact LSP’s Alex Romano at aromano@landstewardshipproject.org; 641-220-6000.

Pasture Walk: Sheep Grazing Under Solar Panels
2024-07-02 15:30 - 17:30
Hosted by Great River Graziers
Vernon Electric CoopTrevor ClarkRudy Miller
Sheep grazing under solar electric panels. Guest: Carolyn Idhe, UW & lowa Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist.
Great River Graziers Pasture Walks

Bale Grazing Followup – Summer Pasture Walk & BBQ
2024-07-09 23:00 - 2024-07-10 02:00
Hosted by Farmer-Led Watershed Councils of the St. Croix and Red Cedar Rivers
Learn More Here
Farmers Kevin Conard and Laura Domagala placed bales across their pastures last year for the first time to try bale grazing. They worked with UW Extension staff to monitor forage quality as well as soil health this spring and summer.
Meet them in July when they’ll be sharing how the experience worked for them. UW-Madison Extension researcher, Francois Anglade, and Grazing Outreach Specialist, Jason Cavadini, will also talk about the study and herd management as we walk through the pastures and share dinner.

McGraw Farm: A Grassland - Savanna Restoration in Progress
2024-07-11 21:00 - 2024-07-12 00:00
Hosted by Southern Driftless Grasslands
Register Here
See the impacts of 7 years of strategic management effort on a farm once over-run with wild parsnip, multiflora rose, and honeysuckle and now actively managed for quality grasslands and savanna.
See the impacts of 7 years of strategic management effort on a farm once over-run with wild parsnip, multiflora rose, and honeysuckle and now actively managed for quality grasslands and savanna. Visit a savanna restoration in progress – compare two different on-going restoration strategies side by side. Tour a large expansive grassland that supports Henslow’s sparrows, bobolinks, Eastern meadowlarks, dickcissels and more. Discuss grassland management using fire and mowing.

On site will be resource professionals with information about NRCS cost-share programs that support savanna restoration efforts and pasture health improvements.
Come for the learning and stay for the conversation over dinner. Local grass-fed beef and refreshments will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass.

Event contact: Cindy Becker, Southern Driftless Grasslands, cindy@driftlessconservancy.org

Setting Up a Multi-Species Grazing Operation
2024-07-16 20:00 - 22:30
Hosted by Practical Farmers of Iowa
Register Here
Michael and Courtney Gutschenritter, along with their three small children, own and operate Three Brothers Farm in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The 100-acre farm is a conservation-focused, planted entirely in perennials. The Gutschenritters produce pasture-raised eggs from 2,800 laying hens; grass-fed lamb; wool blankets and sheepskins from their flock of 120 Shetland sheep; and custom-graze 25 of their neighbor’s bred dairy heifers. They sell their eggs in local grocery stores and direct-market their lamb and wool products.
They also make and sell innovative farm manuals, including their sliding fence system for their chickens, which allows them to move their coops and electric netting without handling. Join Michael and Courtney to learn how they bring a conservation mindset to establishing, managing and marketing their multi-species grazing operation.
Meal
A meal will follow the field day.
See & Discuss

Building innovative, beginner-friendly fencing
Planning ways to add wildlife habitat into a grazing operation
Financial planning and value-added products
Creating a multi-species grazing operation
