Dairy pasture walk to feature northeast Iowa grazing farm

Participants will get an up-close look at pasture renovation, brush control and the overall economics of dairy grazing

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program will co-host a pasture walk August 21 near Garnavillo, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Andy Schaefer dairy farm.
Schaefer has been grazing and dairying for 31 years, and today has 118 cross-bred cows on 160 acres.

Larry Tranel and Jenn Bentley, dairy specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach, will provide information on the economics of grazing and calf management in a pasture-based system.

Following lunch, Schaefer will lead attendees on a walking tour with a focus on pasture renovation, brush control and sidewalk-style cattle lanes, along with Brian Lang, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach, who will provide information on soil fertility.

The pasture walk is located at 25037 Lake Road in rural Garnavillo. From Garnavillo, travel east on C17 3.5 miles, then south on 232 Street for 1.1 mile, then south on Lake Road for 2.3 miles. The farm is located on the right side of the road.

Pasture walks are informal educational programs designed to demonstrate one or two key areas of pasture management, and to provide answers to common questions. This event is open to all producers who rely on forage production.

RSVPs are encouraged to help with materials and meal planning, but are not required. For more information, contact Jenn Bentley at 563-382-2949, or jbentley@iastate.edu.