Grazing systems seminar slated in Staples

STAPLES - A year-round grazing systems seminar is planned Jan. 19-21 at Central Lakes College in Staples.

Steve Kenyon, international speaker from Greener Pastures Grazing Management Ltd. of Canada, will be putting on the two-day seminar. Topics include human resources, economics and finance, grazing management, pasture rejuvenation/weed control, cell designs/watering systems, and swath grazing/bale grazing.

A third day (Jan. 21) is also being offered for more hands-on course work. Kenyon is a livestock producer that has developed a grazing system that allows him to save on feeding, labor and fuel costs by allowing the animal to harvest the forage for themselves.

He has also written several articles in the Stockman Grass Farmer and other publications about his management techniques.

Many organizations, groups and businesses are sponsoring this event with grants and donations thus greatly reducing the cost of this training for livestock operators. Sponsors include the Minnesota Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, WesMin RC&D Council, CLC, CLC Farm Business Management Education, Initiative Foundation, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA-Farm Service Agency, Cass Soil and Water Conservation District, Leader Lions, Crow Wing Basin Forage Council, University of Minnesota Extension Service, Cass County Farm Bureau, Leaf River Ag Service and other farm, ranch and banking businesses.

For more information, contact Barb Cline, Customized Training at Central Lakes College by e-mail to bcline@clcmn.edu or by calling (218) 894-5120.