OSCEOLA, Mo - Grazing multiple species of livestock – cattle, sheep or goats – on the same land could be more profitable and sustainable for producers.

“Diversifying your operation with multispecies grazing typically leads to more efficient forage utilization,” said David Brown, University of Missouri Extension sheep and goat specialist. “However, this approach requires careful planning and management to balance the needs of various animals while maintaining plant diversity.”

MU Extension specialists and other experts discuss the benefits and practicalities of multispecies grazing at a free workshop 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, in Hermitage.

Topics and speakers

• Developing on-farm biosecurity for sheep and goats, David Brown, MU Extension sheep and goat specialist.

• Invasive weeds: control and management, Terry Halleran, MU Extension agronomy specialist.

• Improving grazing lands with multispecies grazing, Mark Kennedy, Kennedy Grassland Services, LLC.

• Winter feeding strategies for the cow-herd, Andy McCorkill, MU Extension livestock specialist.

• Multispecies grazing success story, Robert Salmon, producer, Bobs Farm.

The workshop will be held in Hickory County at the former Dollar General building, 22126 U.S. Highway 54, Hermitage, across from the car wash. Refreshments will be provided.

The event is free, but registration is required. Go to https://mizzou.us/MGW2024 to register by Oct. 22.

For registration questions or ADA accommodations, contact the MU Extension Center in Hickory County at 660-885-5556 or David Brown at davidbrown@missouri.edu.

Event sponsors: Southwest Electric Cooperative – Bolivar, OakStar Bank, Dallas County Farmers Exchange, MFA Farm & Home and Hickory County Soil & Water Conservation District.