Grazing Schools bringing hands-on education

BREESE, Ill. — The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition will host two Grazing Schools this September, giving producers across the state hands-on, practical instruction to help them implement and expand managed grazing on their own operations.

• Sept. 12 — Evan Schuette’s beef cattle farm, Iuka.

• Sept. 18 — Greg Thoren’s beef cattle farm, Stockton.

Each school combines classroom-style instruction with in-field, pasture-based learning led by the host farmers, ILGLC staff and other experienced graziers.

“Our goal with these schools is to meet producers where they are at with practical instruction they can take straight back to the farm,” said Christian Lovell, ILGLC executive director.

“Whether someone is just getting started or looking to fine-tune an existing system, they will walk away with tools and strategies they can use right away.”

Attendees will move through a full day of pasture-based learning, including:

• Basics of adaptive grazing

• Stocking density and paddock design

• Soil and pasture health

• Plant identification

• Fence and water systems

• Winter feeding strategies

• Economics of grazing

Registration is $25 per attendee and includes instruction, handouts, lunch and refreshments. Space is limited, and advance registration is required at ilgrazinglands.org/events.

These Grazing Schools are part of ILGLC’s ongoing effort, through partnership with the Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service, to offer accessible education to farmers throughout Illinois, helping producers of all experience levels build more profitable, resilient operations through regenerative grazing.