KINGSTON, N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County is hosting a rotational grazing for beginners course in Kingston, New York on February 2nd 2019.
Who is this course designed for:
This course reviews and discusses all of the factors that are required to raise healthy and happy ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats in our area). That means we are going to discuss fencing, water, forage quality and quantity, handling the animals, transporting the animals, common health issues, and even some marketing considerations. Anyone can attend the class and learn something new or contribute to the discussion. Whether you have two or two hundred cattle you will learn something in this course.
How is the course formatted?
The class is about 4 hours long and is set up so that it is a discussion and not a lecture. We are going to use power point presentations to touch upon all of the relevant topics concerning the animals and their care but there will be plenty of opportunities to talk about each individual’s situation and property.
Should participants bring anything with them to the course?
Yes! Because of the format of the course we encourage folks to bring in maps of their property, business plans, and any other relevant material to their livestock business so we can have a look at them as a group.
Why should experience growers attend this course?
Like all businesses, farming has its fair share of challenges and changes. The more efficient you are with your forage utilization the less hay you have to purchase or make. Let’s face it, the margins in farming are tiny and rotational grazing is one more tool that you can utilize to make your business more efficient and streamlined. It is also my opinion that ruminant growers are really grass farmers. After all, it is the grasses, forbes, and legumes that are actually feeding your animals and if we want to raise the best animals then we need to nurture the best forages possible.
What types of business topics will you discuss in the course?
This course is more focused on the production side of livestock farming but since marketing is half of your business we will be touching on it as well. My personal ranch has transitioned from a cow calf operation to seasonal stocker operation so I have a lot to say on how to work the business in your favor.
The class will be held February 2nd from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Cornell Cooperative in Ulster County. We look forward to meeting you and please call or email if you have any questions about the course or registration.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County
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