I was at a southern Indiana farm last week with an Extension Educator and producer. The producer noted that he was in attendance at last year’s grazing school and expressed appreciation for things learned. His learning at the Grazing School resulted in improved forage and grazing management practices today.
Grazing School clientele identify different forage species at the 2023 educational event. (Photo Credit: Keith Johnson)
Survey results from the 2023 schools note that Indiana Grazing School participants (number completing survey was 39) learned something they did not know before attending (99%), were extremely likely to recommend this event to a friend or colleague (86%), and will change their grazing techniques to optimize pasture growth (51%).
A news release regarding the 2024 grazing schools that was prepared by Ashvini Malshe with Purdue Agricultural Communications follows. Please share the opportunity of the Grazing Schools, and consider attending, too, if wanting to learn about and enact improved grazing management practices.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — From the Indiana Forage Council (IFC) and Purdue Extension agriculture and natural resources, the Indiana Grazing Schools will start in August. Livestock producers will gain hands-on training in implementing improved grazing systems.
The program also is hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
The event will cover topics including soil fertility, water, fencing and grazing systems, animal health, and plant identification. The program will offer two training sessions. The registration fee is $80 and covers the cost of management information and a meal and refreshments on the program’s second day. Additional individuals from the same operation can attend for a reduced $55 fee.
Dates and locations:
- Aug. 2-3, Farm of Steve J. Stoll, 12397 E. County Road 500 N, Loogootee, IN 47553
- Sept. 27-28, Pargil Natural Resources Learning Center, 2335 N. State Road 9, LaGrange, IN 46761
The programs will run from 1-6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Attendees will hear from featured speakers and hosts Keith Johnson, Purdue professor of agronomy and Extension forage specialist; Jason Tower, Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center superintendent; Ron Lemenager, professor of animal sciences and Extension beef specialist; Jackie Boerman, associate professor of animal sciences and Extension dairy specialist; Grant Burcham, DVM, veterinary diagnostician; and many other experts.
“Attending a grazing school can be a transformative experience. Attendees can take education learned and put the practices in place on their farm. The networking among instructors and attendees is also apparent at a grazing school,” Johnson said. “This interaction has value as future questions can be directed to instructors and other producers that were part of the event.”
Trainings will consist of field tours and pasture walks. There also will be small-group discussions with featured experts and other school participants.
The registration form is available on the IFC’s website. Deadline to register is July 19 and Sept. 13 for the Loogootee and LaGrange schools, respectively.
Direct questions to Johnson at johnsonk@purdue.edu or 765-494-4800. If individuals require auxiliary aids and services due to a disability, call 765-494-4800 prior to the event.
Writer/Media Contact: Ashvini Malshe, 765-496-7480, malshea@purdue.edu
