The first-ever Grassroots Grazing program for young and beginning graziers was such a success last year that Iowa State University Extension beef program specialist Joe Sellers says the program is being expanded this year. Thanks to some grants, there is no charge for this class, and participants will receive a resource manual on managed grazing.

ALL ABOUT GRAZING: Iowa’s first-ever Grassroots Grazing program was such a success last year that the program is being expanded this year with three new locations scheduled. First one is at Corning (starting Feb. 22), second is Ames (Feb. 23) and there will also be one in Chariton starting sometime in March.

“This grazing management series is designed for young and beginning graziers, although anyone interested in basic grazing management is welcome to attend,” says Sellers. “Grassroots Grazing is a three-part series at two new locations: Corning and Ames. The Corning location begins Monday, February 22, and the Ames location starts the following day, on Tuesday, February 23. Session times are slightly different, so be sure to note the start time for your preferred location.”

Locations of these meetings are Corning, Ames and Chariton
He adds, “We also will have one of these sessions in Chariton starting sometime in March. Stay tuned to the Iowa Beef Center website for more information on the Chariton meeting, which we will post when that information becomes available.”

All participants will receive a resource manual for use throughout the course and at their farms. The first session includes discussion on controlling feed costs, goal setting for individual grazing systems, and comparing various grazing programs. The second and third sessions will include pasture walks and additional meetings on dates determined by the participants.

No charge to attend these sessions, but you should preregister
“There is no fee to attend, but we strongly encourage preregistration to plan for the meal and ensure adequate materials for everyone,” Sellers says. “Please register by February 19 regardless of the location you will attend.” He encourages people to preregister soon for either the Corning location (Feb. 22) or Ames location (Feb. 23).

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The date, time, address and contact information for the initial session at each location are listed below, along with a link to the specific session flyer.

* Corning: February 22, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 607 6^th Street (four blocks west of Casey’s). For more information click on

iowabeefcenter.org/events/GrassrootsCorning2016.pdf. Also you can contact Joe Sellers, [email protected] or 641-203-1270; Chris Clark, [email protected] or 712-250-0070; Chris Nelson, Adams County Extension Office, 641-322-3184; Brian Peterson, 641-322-3228.

* Ames: February 23, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will be held at Iowa State University’s Hansen Ag Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Road in Ames. For more information, click on iowabeefcenter.org/events/GrassrootsAmes2016.pdf. Also, you can contact Joe Sellers, [email protected] or 641-203-1270; or Erika Lundy, [email protected] or 515-294-9881.

The series is provided by ISU Extension and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. ISU Extension beef program specialists will lead sessions with assistance from other producers and volunteers. In Corning, additional local sponsors are the Southern Iowa Forage and Livestock Committee and the Adams County Cattlemen’s Association.

The Iowa Beef Center at ISU was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from ISU Extension and Outreach, College of Ag & Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information, visit iowabeefcenter.org.