VINTON, Iowa — Vinton beef producer Austin Siela said improving efficiency is the name of the grazing game for his operation. He is developing a managed grazing system including a well with buried water lines, subdivision fences and weed control. He also interseeded a winter annual to increase grazing days in the spring, and probably will interseed improved forages in the future.

“It’s all about getting more animal feed from every acre of pasture,” Siela said.

Siela will share his experiences at a pasture walk on Tuesday, July 16, starting at 6 p.m. Also on the agenda are Tina Cibula, Benton County NRCS District Conservationist, and Denise Schwab, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist. Cibula will speak on cost share opportunities to improve pastures and soil health and Schwab will discuss grazing efficiency.

Some of the grazing practices to be highlighted during the program include buried water lines to each paddock, pasture subdivision layout, division fencing and incorporating winter annuals to extend the spring grazing season.

The pasture is located at 2211 57th St. Trl, Vinton. From Vinton, go north on Hwy 218, continue straight (slight right) onto V61/22nd Ave Trl toward Mount Auburn about 2 miles, then turn southwest (left) onto 57th St Trl about 1 mile.

Pasture walks are informal educational programs designed to demonstrate key areas of pasture management and answer any questions you might have. Each has a slightly different focus and all producers who are dependent on forage production are invited to attend to improve their own pasture management.

This event is co-sponsored by the Benton County Soil & Water Conservation District, NRCS, ISU Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Beef Center, Benton County Farm Bureau and the Benton County Cattlemen.  For more information, please contact Schwab at 319-472-4739 or email at dschwab@iastate.edu.

— Iowa STate University Extension and Outreach

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