Dairy farmers are experiencing lean times with some of the tightest profit margins they have experienced in decades. A series of free workshops coming up around the state will look at how grazing can help dairy farmers reduce input costs and increase profitability.
Attendees will have a chance to consider if grazing would be a good fit for their farm and hear from other farmers who have found successful strategies.
The events will be:
- JUNEAU: March 20, Dodge Cty. Administration Building, 127 East Oak St., Juneau
- WHITEWATER: March 21, 841 Brewhouse, 841 East Milwaukee St., Whitewater
- MINERAL POINT: April 6, Quality Inn, 1345 Business Park Rd., Mineral Point
- CHILTON: April 10, Calumet County Court House, 206 Court St., Chilton
- BALDWIN: April 23, Ag Services Building, 1960 8th Ave., Baldwin
- ABBOTSFORD: May 7, Abbotsford City Hall, 203 N. First St., Abbotsford
These regional workshops are being organized by Wisconsin Farmers Union in partnership with Glacierland RC&D, River Country RC&D, Southwest Badger RC&D and Grassworks. The sessions are targeted at both farmers who are not presently using managed grazing and current dairy grazers who want to improve their management skills and share ideas.
Each meeting will also have a separate track for area farm agency and conservation staff to learn effective ways to promote grazing to farmers. This portion of the programing is funded by GrassWorks with support from a North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant. Participants from both workshops will join in a panel discussion with local dairy graziers to close the day.
Registration is at 10am for those attending the agency/staff track or 10:30am for the farmer track. The day includes lunch and will wrap up at 2:30pm. Please RSVP at least one week in advance by calling the WFU State Office at 715-723-5561 or register via the corresponding event at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/upcoming-events.
Featured presenters will include Bill Kolodziej, Marathon County Grazing Specialist; Paul Dietmann, Compeer Financial Senior Lending Officer; Serge Koenig, Sauk County Soil Conservation Technician; and Gene Schriefer, Iowa County Agriculture Agent.
WFU and the partner RC&Ds will also be joining forces to host pasture walks around the state this summer, which will be geared at farmers and groups interested in watershed conservation. Learn more at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. For more information visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
