One of the easiest ways livestock and dairy producers can increase on-farm profitability is through proper grazing management. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension will cover many grazing strategies during a two-day grazing school at the Lake City Research Center Sept. 12-13. Designed to blend classroom-style instruction, hands-on education and producer testimonials, the school gives participants a well-rounded course in grazing management techniques. "Through properly managed grazing, producers can expect a minimum of 30 percent increase in forage utilization," Jason Rowntree, an MSU Extension specialist and assistant professor in the MSU Department of Animal Science, said. "Properly managed grazing translates into added weight gain for growing cattle or stockers and increased milk production for dairy cows. An increased grazing season also minimizes the amount of hay needed to get through a winter." Topics that will be covered on the first day of class range from an introductory overview of managed grazing to livestock nutrition. Attendees will also learn about plant growth, forage quality and species selection as well as determining yield and allocating pasture, and identifying forage species. On day two, the following topics will be discussed: soil fertility and management; grazing systems, layout and design; water systems and requirements; building and using fences for grazing; and pasture establishment and improvement. "We're trying to introduce producers to managed grazing and teach them how to make decisions with respect to yield determination of forages and how to allocate animals to certain pastures," Rowntree said. Rowntree's research is funded in part by AgBioResearch at MSU. The school will begin at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 12 and conclude at 4 p.m. Sept. 13. The cost of the school is $100 with meeting materials and meals provided. A second participant from the same farm costs $50. Participants are responsible for reserving their own lodging. To pay with credit card, please contact Carla McLachlan for details at mclachl2@msu.edu, or visit https://commerce.cashnet.com/msu_3645 to register online with credit or debit card. The registration deadline is September 10. For more information on the MSU Extension grazing school, contact Rowntree, at 517-974-9539 or rowntre1@msu.edu. 09.02.2011