Farm Planning and Grazing School with Sarah Flack
Join us for this incredible opportunity! Sarah Flack, author of 'The Art and Science of Grazing' will be in Dartmouth and Westport, MA on Aug 17 and 18 for 2 days of workshops and practical learning. Hosted by the Livestock Institute of Southern New England and Weatherlow Farms. Tickets and information available here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/f
August 17, 1:30 - 5pm: The first part of this session will include a farm
visit and discussion of land base assessment. We'll review how different
grazing management methods can increase, or decrease the number of acres
needed for the herd. We’ll review how to size paddocks, calculate stocking
density and stocking rate and how that helps determine what the ideal herd
size is for your farm. Then we will look at how to tie that information into
cash flow projections and business planning. We will look at how setting
different pasture dry matter intake goals or adjusting the type of grazing
system can change how many animals the farm can support, and what the cost of
production will be.
Day 2, 10am - 4pm: The morning portion of this workshop will focus on creating
a solid understanding of the basic principles of good grazing management
systems. Starting first from the plants perspective, we will look at the needs
of perennial pasture plants and how to meet those needs by following the
grazing guidelines. From there we will do some group exercises and practice to
learn how to calculate paddock sizes, stocking densities, stocking rates and
understand what the ideal number of acres for a flock or herd is. We will then
use real farm examples to practice dry matter measurements, paddock sizing,
stock density and learn more about perennial plant anatomy and physiology.
In the afternoon we will look at pasture from the livestock perspective,
learning techniques to meet their nutritional needs, maximize pasture dry
matter intake, provide low-stress handling and when shade or shelter should be
planned into the grazing. Through out the day we will look at practical ways to
apply this information to improve pasture quality and productivity, while also
improving livestock well-being and performance. This session will include
indoor classroom time and outdoor time in the pastures. You will want to bring
clothing to be comfortable both indoors, and outdoors in rain or sun. Bring a
calculator and notebook.
