Cattle

Artificial Insemination School

When and where is the next Artificial Insemination School?

There is a cattle Artificial Insemination School held annually in Linneus, Mo., at the Forage Systems Research Center. To obtain costs and dates you can call 660-895-5121.

Bruce Lane
Area Livestock Specialist

Managed grazing

I have a 600-head cowherd in southwest Missouri. I would like to make the switch from continuous grazing to rotational/intensive grazing. What information would be helpful to me? I have a landlord that doesn't believe in it, so I need convince him of benefits. When is the next and nearest seminar on rotational/intensive grazing I could attend?

First, it is good that you will consider one of the grazing schools in your region. These schools go through the science and practice of what is now known as "MiG," or Management-intensive Grazing. They are held jointly by MU Extension and Natural Resource Conservation Service. A list of schools can be found at the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Web site.

Second, MU has written the standard manuals for MiG in both beef and dairy production.

Please consider these and call MFGC at 573-499-0886 if you are interested in a workshop.

Craig Roberts
Associate Professor
Agronomy

Grass-finished beef pastures

Your publication M157 Missouri Grazing Manual describes grass-fed pasturing and management-intensive grazing. I want to convert three or four existing pastures to grasses and forbs used for this type of system? What are the best grasses for raising organic, grass-fed, black angus? How many cattle can graze per acre?

If you are interested in pasture-finished beef or other grazing issues, you would really benefit by attending one of the regional grazing schools conducted throughout the state. They are held from April 1 through Oct. 31. There will be one in your area (within a two-county region). If you attend one of the schools, you will receive the manual you mentioned, plus other manuals and hear the explanations. Missouri is recognized as a leader in this field, and many of our specialists hold the best schools in the country related to this topic.

For more information on the regional grazing schools, check the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council and Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Web site.

By the way, the grass-finished beef pasture is simply a high-quality pasture that provides near a year-round supply of forage. In Missouri, it is a cool-season perennial grass seeded with legumes.

Craig Roberts
Associate Professor
Agronomy