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Area Management-Intensive Grazing Schools In 2014 Can Help Attendees Reduce Feed Costs, Improve Forage Production
SPRINGFIELD, MO.
Dates for the Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) Schools in southwest Missouri have been set for 2014.
MiG is also known as rotational grazing management. Producers who follow the MiG system manage for both the benefit of livestock and forage. Livestock graze in each pasture long enough to harvest the forage but are moved before eating too much of the leaf area.
The result is lower feed costs and improved forage production. That means more money in the pocket of the beef cattle producer.
DATES & REGISTRATION
• April 29, May 2, 6, 9 (evenings 6:30-9:30 pm), May 3 (Saturday field day 9 am-3 pm) in Halfway. Contact: Dallas County SWCD at 417-345-2312, ext.3
• May 21, 22, and 23 (daytime) in Mt. Vernon. Contact: Lawrence County SWCD at 417-466-7682, ext. 3.
• June 3, 4, 5 (daytime) in Neosho. Contact: Nathan Witt at 417-451-1007, ext. 3.
• September 23, 24, 25 (daytime) in Forsyth. Contact: Aaron Hoefer at 417-581-2719, ext. 3.
• October 7, 8, 9 (daytime) in Bois D'Arc. Contact: Greene County SWCD at 417-831-5246, ext. 3.
For more information about other schools around the state visit the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council website at: http://agebb.missouri.edu/mfgc/. Registration forms and fees can be obtained at the NRCS office on Hwy. B, Springfield, Mo., or by contacting Mark Green at (417) 831-5246 or via e-mail at mark.green@mo.usda.gov. There is a limit on attendance at each location and the enrollment fee varies.
WHY MIG?
The single most important management factor in determining the profitability of a livestock operation is keeping feed cost low. So why buy it when you can grow high quality feed yourself through a Management-Intensive grazing (MIG) system?
Cost control, not the amount of production, separates profitable from unprofitable operations. Through a MIG system you can keep your cost down and production in most cases will increase, all while helping out the environment.
In addition to the profits to your pocket book and the environment you may be eligible to receive cost share to help establish your MIG system. Attendance at a grazing school is one requirement to be eligible for state cost share programs.
HISTORY OF SUCCESS
Grazing schools started in 1995. Since that time, the schools have been held at various locations, dates and in different formats to meet the diverse needs of livestock producers.
To date, literally thousands of individuals have attended the schools to learn about the basic principles and practices of MiG. The schools have also helped livestock producers qualify for thousands of dollars in various cost-share programs through NRCS or FSA.
USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Missouri Extension and the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District sponsor the MiG school. University of Missouri Extension specialists from southwest Missouri teach many of the sessions during the school.∆
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