Dairy pasture walk slated for August 21 to feature NE 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.

Andy has been grazing and dairying for 31 years, and today he has 118 cross-bred cows on 160 acres.

ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialists Dr. Larry Tranel and Jenn Bentley will provide information on economics of grazing and calf management in a pasture-based system.

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

The pasture walk is located at 25037 Lake Rd., Garnavillo. From Garnavillo, go east on C17 3.5 miles, then south on 232 Street for 1.1 mile, then south on Lake Rd. for 2.3 miles. The farm is on the right.

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 not required. For more information, contact Jenn Bentley at 563-382-2949, or jbentley@iastate.edu.