Missouri Grazing Schools is a major program effort by the University of Missouri Extension and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to educate livestock farmers and ranchers across Missouri on how to increase profitability with no negative environmental impact on the land. The focus is to enhance soil, water, and forage resources in Missouri operations by teaching the concepts of Management-intensive Grazing (MiG). Manure is better distributed, grass resources are preserved, soil health is improved, animal production is increased, and less soil is exposed to erosion. In addition, the need for expensive inputs is reduced, and profitability increases.  

The instruction involves understanding the soil resource, plant growth, forage quality, forage options for various classes of livestock, nutritional needs of livestock, design and layout of a grazing system, proper fence building, developing water sources, and the economics of MiG. Participants evaluate pastures for forage availability and species composition. These skills directly translate to their ability to identify these resources on their farms and to design grazing system layouts that fit their livestock operations.  

Cost: $200 per person and $100 for each additional person from the same farm operation.

This fee is handled through the Lawrence County Extension Center. Call 417-466-3102 for details.