The GrassWorks Grazing Conference, now in its 21st year, has a reputation for providing new and experienced farmers with in-depth information and practical tools for making the most of their grazing operations.
This year’s conference, which was held Jan. 17-19 in Rothschild, Wisconsin, was no exception.
The event attracted just under 300 attendees, speakers and tradeshow participants from all over Wisconsin and beyond.
Attendees chose between sessions on a wide range of cutting-edge topics, such as a panel discussion with Chris Kucharik and Randy Jackson on “Resilient Grazing Systems for a Changing Climate;” Noel Anderson on “Google Earth: Connecting the Dots for Insight & Better Farm Management;” and Jill Clapperton on “The Missing Link in Soil Health-Biodiversity.”
The conference offered more workshops on getting started in grazing, using iPhone/iPad applications, financial planning, direct marketing, policy and program support. There were also sessions devoted to different species, including hogs, sheep and poultry operations.
The Grazing Conference continued its tradition of providing high-quality educational content for producers, a great tradeshow, delicious grass-fed meals and superior networking opportunities, for the seasoned grazier to those just starting.
This year, organizers brought in nationally known author Shannon Hayes to provide a keynote that drew on sustainable farming sensibilities and lighthearted story telling as a way to explore how we can move from an extractive economy to a life-serving economy.
After the conference, Hayes said, “As always, I just love the people you pull together for your conference. The attendees were full of great questions and lots of fun.”The variety of booths in the tradeshow allowed for lively conversation – whether about genetics, tractors, seed varieties or fencing supplies. A popular spot was the GrassWorks bookstore where attendees could browse or have their favorite Hayes book signed by the author.
Friday was a day of recognition. At lunch, the first four participants in the GrassWorks-sponsored Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship received their Journeyman certificates from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship. They have successfully completed the necessary coursework and on-farm training with their mentors and are, or will soon be, running their own dairy farms.The highlight of Friday evening’s banquet was the announcement of the 2013 Grazing Advocate award, which went to Paul Daigle, conservation program manager for the Marathon County Conservation, Planning & Zoning Department.
The Grazing Advocate Award is given annually at the GrassWorks Grazing Conference to recognize individuals who have helped to facilitate the adoption of managed grazing and whose work on behalf of the grazing community is exceptional.
The planning has already started for the 22nd Annual GrassWorks Grazing Conference, scheduled for Jan. 16-18, 2014. PD
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: The variety of booths in the tradeshow allowed for lively conversation.
MIDDLE RIGHT: Attendees chose which sessions to attend.
BOTTOM RIGHT: The 2013 Grazing Advocate award went to Paul Daigle. Photos courtesy of Otto Wiegand, UW – Extension.
