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 a unique, hands-on educational experience 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
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
Agenda
Day 1 – Friday
9:00 AM | Registration and refreshments |
9:30 AM | Introductions |
10:00 AM | Principles of managed grazing – Classroom Session |
11:00 AM | Measuring pasture yield – Field Session |
12:00 PM | Lunch |
12:45 PM | Managing grazing to meet livestock nutritional needs – Classroom Session |
1:30 PM | Graziers math: determining livestock carrying capacity – Classroom Session |
2:15 PM | Calculating paddock size for a group of livestock for 12 hours – Classroom Exercise |
3:30 AM | Setting up a paddock: electric fencing basics, temporary fencing equipment – Field Demonstration |
4:00 PM | Setting up the fence for a 12 hour move using your calculations – Field Exercise |
4:20 PM | Low-stress livestock handling, moving the herd to a new paddock, and observing grazing behavior – Field Demonstration |
4:40 PM | Herd health and livestock genetics – Field Session |
6:00 PM | Dinner |
7:00 PM | NRCS and other cost-share programs, Audubon Conservation Ranching program, and Tips and Tricks |
8:00 PM | Wrap up |
Day 2 – Saturday
7:00 AM | Refreshments |
8:00 AM | Soil type, soil fertility and pasture productivity – Classroom Session |
9:15 AM | Permanent grazing infrastructure: fencing, watering, lanes – Field Demonstration |
10:00 AM | Checking up on your paddock and grazing animals – Field Session |
11:00 AM | Introduction to pasture plant community – Field Session |
12:15 AM | Lunch |
12:45 PM | Economics of pasture systems – Classroom Session |
1:30 PM | Establishing new pastures and renovating existing pastures – Classroom Session |
2:15 PM | Grazing planning and layout – Classroom Session |
2:45 PM | Starting to set up your farm: get individualized assistance in planning your system – Classroom Exercise |
4:00 PM | Large group discussion |
4:30 PM | Adjourn |
The program is a partnership between GrassWorks, the University of Wisconsin Marshfield and Lancaster Agricultural Research Stations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and University of Wisconsin Extension.
