The Southwest Washington Grazing school will host its second course April 16-19 in Tenino.
The four-day, on-site course is focused on rotational grazing systems, pasture management and grazing for biodiverse grassland habitat, a news release from the school stated.
The program is organized by Washington State University Extension and runs in close collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Ecostudies Institute, Thurston Conservation District and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Partners Program. Personnel from each institution help instruct the class, as well as several experienced grass-based livestock producers.
The course is modeled on the Lost Rivers Grazing Academy run by University of Idaho Extension.
The Southwest Washington Grazing School multi-day intensive will be held at Skookumchuck Grange in Tenino. Tuition of $300 includes all meals and instructional materials. Scholarships are available to all veterans and others upon inquiry.
The course is “intensive,” so attendees should be prepared to dedicate full days from 8:30 a.m. to between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Those successfully completing the course will receive grazing school certificates and continuing education credits upon inquiry.
This intensive is for beef, sheep, alpaca or goat producers, dairy operators and horse owners. Technical service providers supporting livestock producers including NRCS, conservation districts or U.S Fish and Wildlife Service employees would also benefit.
Attendees will learn how to improve pasture, livestock and grazing management skills. These skills will help to reduce hay production and save on feeding costs while extending the grazing season by reducing harvested forages, the release stated. Half of instructional time will be spent in the field in hands-on “pasture learning.” Attendees will walk away with the knowledge and skills to improve overall pasture productivity and raise healthier livestock.
For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/yvbvsmsk or contact Stephen Bramwell at bramwell@wsu.edu.
