St. Croix Grazing Network
July 9, 11:00-1:00 Serier Family Farm, 264  230th St. Baldwin, WI 54002
The Serier farm has been certified organic since 2003, managing a mixed herd of 30 cows on 100 acres of grazing land.  They will discuss what it takes to run an organic dairy.  Also Matt Dobberstein, of Renaissance Nutrition, will be present to answer questions about dairy nutrition on an organic managed grazing dairy farm.
Directions: From Hwy 94, take exit #24-County Road B, turn South onto County B and follow for about 2 miles.  Turn west onto County Road N and follow for 2 1/2 miles.  Turn south onto 230th St. and follow for one mile.  End a the Serier Farm on the right side of the road.
For more information contact: Brian Brezinski at River Country RC&D 715-834-9672
 

North Central Grazing Network
July 10, 1:00-3:00 pm  Ken and James Yoder Farms, W634 & W788 26 Road, Spencer, WI
Brothers Ken and James Yoder own their separate dairy farms next to each other.  The Yoders have been certified organic dairy farmers for a number of years, and have utilized managed grazing to get the most out of their pastures.  How well has it worked for them?  They are milking 40-50 cows at a cow/acre.  Cows receive only 6 lbs of grain, with minimal store forage, with the rest of the ration coming from pasture and are averaging 17,500-19,000 lbs.  Purchased feed is minimal, and they often sell hay off the farm.  They attribute their good forage quality to management and use of some products such as Super Cal, and foliar spraying of liquid fish with trace minerals .
Directions: From Spencer, go two miles south on County V. Turn right on 26 Road.  Go 2 1/2 miles.  From Marshfield, go two miles north on Hwy 13 and turn left onto 26 Road.  Go 5 1/2 miles west. Both farms are on the right side of the road. 
For more information contact: Robert Brandt, Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D  715-748-2008
 

Living Off the Land Grazing Network

July 12, 9 A.M.    Roger & Julie Onsager,   W8551 Zindorf Rd,  New Lisbon, WI

Follow up to last year's Pre-walk. Roger will show what was implemented in the grazing plan, and fencing done with EQIP funding with a discussion of future plans.

Directions: Hwy 82 out of New Lisbon toward Elroy, Turn right onto Zindorf Road

Chippewa Valley Grazing Network
July 15, 12:00-2:00  Jill and Craig Johnson farm, 11666 CR D, Boyd, WI
The Johnson Family purchased their 80 acre farm in 2001.  They have a small herd of beef cattle and a flock of 50 ewes.  Jill direct markets the wool form the sheep. 
Directions: Take CR-D north through Boyd 4 miles to the Johnson Farm on the left side of the road.
For more information contact: Mary Anderson 715-538-4396

Living Off the Land Grazing Network

September 5, 12:30 to 3:30 P.M.     Joel Greeno Farm,  31863 Lumber Ave,  Kendall, WI  608-463-7634

Joel will show us the new grazing plot planted in spring of 2008 funded with some of the  group's grant money.

Living Off the Land Grazing Network

October 24, 12:30 to 3:30 P.M.   Dave Leis Farm, 23995 Co Hwy M, Wilton WI

608-435-6675

This event is hosted by Mark Wienkes Monroe County NRCS.  Tour of two landowners with EQIP projects that solve soil erosion problems along a stream using cattle lanes, fencing, waterways, stream crossings, wood toewalls, streambank protection and

LUNKERS for fish habitat improvement.

Directons:  Head North of Wilton ½ mile on County

Wisconsin Grazing Schools 2008
River Falls, June 10-11
Gleason, June 24-25
Fon du Lac, July 22
Richland Center, TBA
The Wisconsin Grazing Schools are designed to teach producers, educators, and agency staff the basics of management intensive grazing with a hands-on approach.  These two days schools provide opportunities to learn the producers and consultants through in-depth discussions, field exercises, and reference materials. 
Cost $75/person.  $35 for second person.
For more information contact   Dr. Dennis Cosgrove:  715-425-3345
To register send information and check to:
Dennis Cosgrove
UW River Falls,  410 S. 3rd. St., River Falls, WI  54022
 

Wisconsin's School for Beginning Dairy & Livestock Farmers
Distance Education Program  Available at locations across Wisconsin

If you or someone you know would like to own and operate a pasture-based dairy or livestock farm, the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers is a great place to get started. The UW-Madison, Farm and Industry Short Course-based School began in 1995. One-third of its approximately 200 graduates have gone on to start their own farms and seventy-five percent are working on farms for themselves or for others. Now the School will be taught at additional locations by interactive webcast.   Not only will students have access to the same high quality experience as those attending the course in Madison, they can also earn credits toward a Farm and Industry Short Course Degree.

The 17-week course will begin in November and meet once a week (except for holiday breaks and field trips) and finish up in March. The curriculum covers a variety of topics including farm selection, design and remodeling; animal and grass management; and business planning. For more information about the School, visit http://www.cias.wisc.edu/dairysch.html.
 

Madison:
Richard Cates, WSBDF Director,

Central Wisconsin Graziers
For more information contact Keith VanderVelde 608-297-9153