GILMAN, Wis. — Management tools for dealing with variable weather will be the focus of a Graze River Country pasture walk hosted by River Country RC&D Grazing Educator Kevin Mahalko and his family on their Gilman farm Thurs, Oct. 11. There will be a special early start at 11am for those interested in learning about Grassworks’ Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program. The general pasture walk will begin at noon.
Mahalko farms in partnership with his parents, Kenneth and Mary. The farm is home to a 40-cow Holstein herd and altogether about 120 head of grazing animals, including youngstock and grassfed steers. The Mahalkos market Grassmilk to Organic Valley.
Kevin is a graduate of UW-Stevens Point. He puts that conservation background to good use on the farm. In his role as a grazing educator, he encourages his fellow farmers to pursue grazing. Kevin also serves on the Grassworks board.
The pasture walk is being presented by Wisconsin Farmers Union and River Country RC&D as part of their collaborative Graze River Country series.
The farm is located about 8 miles west of Gilman at 34717 Highway 64. RSVP to Kevin at 715-314-0338 or under the corresponding event at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events.
Other upcoming pasture walks include:
GAYS MILLS — Tues., Oct. 16, 10:30am, Don Boland Farm, 18732 Highway 27
Learn about using EQIP for a new access road and remote deep bury water sites. Extending the grazing season with stockpile. Don is a Master Grazier with the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program and has successfully graduated several Dairy Grazing Apprentices. Come and share in the celebration for Kelsey (Weibel) Vance, who apprenticed with Don and Todd and Tonia Wright in Holmen. Kelsey completed her program requirements in July and is now a Journeyman Dairy grazier.
From Seneca, go 3 miles N on 27. The farm is on the right. If issues, call 608-734-3570.
COLFAX – Schmitt, Sun., Oct. 21, 12:30pm, Ken & Laurie Schmitt, 3900 Highway 40
Ken and Laurie Schmitt raise about 60 grass-fed cow/calf pairs with 200 acres using rotational grazing. Come learn more about their farm and cattle handling. See their “Bud Box” design and affordable chute and alley system that make it easy to work cattle.
Join us for a light potluck lunch starting around 12:30. Please bring a dish to pass, tableware, and your own beverage. The farm is located on the first big curve east of Colfax on State Hwy 40 by the Howard Town Hall. RSVP at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events.
— Wisconsin Farmers Union
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