BLANCHARDVILLE - Jamie and Deanne Holmstrum, Blanchardville, will be hosting visitors at their farm, N9276 Hay Hollow Road, for a pasture walk at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 26.
The Holmstrums milk 40 Holsteins feeding a low grain ration and using a managed grazing system.
Laura Paine, grazing and organic specialist with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, will participate in a discussion of grazing improvements and the Holmstrums' consideration of whether to convert to organic production.
To stay profitable in today's livestock business, many new and existing livestock operations are adopting a managed grazing system, according to a news release from the United States Department of Agriculture. With managed grazing, farmers can determine their goals for the farm and the lifestyle they and their family want to live. Farmers experienced in grazing say that most of the job is thinking, planning and adjusting to match their livestock and forage availability.
Well-maintained grazing operations help protect the land, water and air, by keeping soil in permanent vegetative cover. Grazing improves nutrient distribution which increases soil organic matter and reduces runoff, improving water quality. Permanent cover on grazing lands supports more wildlife, creates healthy plant communities and improves animal health. Better herd health means less disease, less stress and healthier cows with longer productive lives.
More information is available by contacting Gene Shriefer at the Iowa County Extension at (608) 930-9850.
The Holmstrums milk 40 Holsteins feeding a low grain ration and using a managed grazing system.
Laura Paine, grazing and organic specialist with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, will participate in a discussion of grazing improvements and the Holmstrums' consideration of whether to convert to organic production.
To stay profitable in today's livestock business, many new and existing livestock operations are adopting a managed grazing system, according to a news release from the United States Department of Agriculture. With managed grazing, farmers can determine their goals for the farm and the lifestyle they and their family want to live. Farmers experienced in grazing say that most of the job is thinking, planning and adjusting to match their livestock and forage availability.
Well-maintained grazing operations help protect the land, water and air, by keeping soil in permanent vegetative cover. Grazing improves nutrient distribution which increases soil organic matter and reduces runoff, improving water quality. Permanent cover on grazing lands supports more wildlife, creates healthy plant communities and improves animal health. Better herd health means less disease, less stress and healthier cows with longer productive lives.
More information is available by contacting Gene Shriefer at the Iowa County Extension at (608) 930-9850.