ORANGE CITY, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is co-hosting educational hands-on Pasture Walks in O’Brien and Monona counties on June 22 and June 26, respectively. Both walks will begin at 5:30 p.m. with supper, followed by the program from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
After three years of drought, Iowa pastures are in need of some first aid, according to Beth Doran, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“Livestock producers can’t change the weather, but we can enhance forage recovery, control weeds, and improve soil fertility,” Doran said. “So put on your walking shoes, come with your own questions, and attend a Pasture Walk with us.”
During the evening workshops, participants will condition score a paddock. There will be hands-on identification of desirable plants and weeds, evaluation of soil cover, and monitoring of grazing severity. Two topics (pasture supplementation and common forage insects) will vary by site.
There is no cost to attend either Pasture Walk, but preregistration is required.
To preregister for the O’Brien County walk near Paullina on June 22, RSVP to 712-957-5045 by June 16. To access a flier and directions to the pasture, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/obrien.
For the Monona County walk at the ISU Western Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm on June 26, preregister to 712-423-2175 by June 19. A flier for the Monona County workshop is available at www.extension.iastate.edu/monona.
For more information, contact Beth Doran at 712-737-4230 or email doranb@iastate.edu.
The Pasture Walks are co-sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cooperative Farmers Elevator, the ISU Western Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm and Dustin Puhrmann.
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach