By Andi Anderson
Livestock producers and forage-input personnel can look forward to hands-on training at the Indiana Grazing Schools, starting this August. Organized by the Indiana Forage Council (IFC) and Purdue Extension agriculture and natural resources, these schools aim to educate farmers on implementing improved grazing systems.
The program is also supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Participants will delve into various topics, including soil fertility, water management, fencing and grazing systems, animal health, and plant identification.
The Indiana Grazing Schools will offer two training sessions. The registration fee is $80, which includes management information, a meal, and refreshments on the second day. Additional participants from the same operation can attend for a reduced fee of $55.
Here are the dates and locations for the training sessions:
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. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Featured speakers include 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 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,” said Johnson. “This interaction has value as future questions can be directed to instructors and other producers that were part of the event.”
The training will include field tours, pasture walks, and small-group discussions with experts and other participants.
The registration form is available on the IFC’s website. The deadline to register is July 19 for the Loogootee school and September 13 for the LaGrange school. Direct any questions to Keith Johnson at johnsonk@purdue.edu or call 765-494-4800. If individuals require auxiliary aids and services due to a disability, call 765-494-4800 before the event.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Indiana, Education