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. Davis says 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 Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Missouri Forage and Grasslands Council, and the Barton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) are providing a management-intensive grazing school Sept. 10-12 at the First Baptist Church Family Life and Outreach Center, 1301 E. Sixth Street, Lamar. Classes run 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m. each day.

“This school is applicable to 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. 5,” says Davis. Register at https://shorturl.at/BQqzL.

Cost is $200 per person and $100 per additional person from the same farm not needing materials. Fee includes materials, lunches and refreshments during the event. For all questions related to the event contact the MU Extension Center in Barton County at 417-682-3579 or Davis at davismp@missouri.edu.