STOCKTON, Mo. – “Efficient forage management and utilization is important to the profitability of a livestock operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The best way to promote efficient forage management and utilization in a livestock operation is by incorporating management intensive grazing practices.

To educate livestock producers on these practices, MU Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Missouri Forage and Grasslands Council and the Cedar County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) are providing a Management Intensive Grazing School Oct. 1-3 at the Stockton United Methodist Church Basement, 708 E. Highway 32, Stockton. Classes run 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m. each day.

“This school is applicable and will provide education in livestock and forage management for all grazing species, though cattle will be emphasized,” says Davis. Topics include:

• The “Art and Science” of Grazing
• Soils, Soil Management and Fertility
• Plant Growth, Forage Quality and Persistence
• Fencing and Water Systems
• Matching Livestock and Forage Resources
• Meeting Nutritional Needs of Livestock From Pasture
• Layout and Design of Grazing Systems
• Economics of Management-Intensive Grazing
• Outdoor Field Exercises and Tour of Producers’ Farms

Furthermore, this program is required to receive Missouri SWCD cost share funding and may help in receiving NRCS cost share funding for grazing system development.

“Registration and payment are required to attend this event by Sept. 26,” says Davis. Register at https://shorturl.at/fkk8k. Cost to attend the event is $200 per person and $100 per additional person from the same farm not needing materials. Fee includes materials, lunches and refreshments. For questions, contact Davis at 417-276-3313 or davismp@missouri.edu.