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Farm Planning and Grazing School with Sarah Flack – Hosted by TLI
August 17, 2018 @ 1:30 pm - August 18, 2018 @ 4:00 pm
$25 – $70Friday, August 17, 1:30 to 5:00 Matching livestock numbers to land base to increase farm income
The first part of this session will include a farm visit and discussion of land base assessment. We’ll review how different grazing management methods can increase, or decrease the number of acres needed for the herd. We’ll review how to size paddocks, calculate stocking density and stocking rate and how that helps determine what the ideal herd size is for your farm. Then we will look at how to tie that information into cash flow projections and business planning. We will look at how setting different pasture dry matter intake goals or adjusting the type of grazing system can change how many animals the farm can support, and what the cost of production will be.
This event will take place at Triple S Farm: 875 Horseneck Rd, Dartmouth, MA. The event will be followed by a pot-luck dinner down the road at Jordan Farm, located at 22 Jordan Rd., Dartmouth, MA. TLI will provide the main meat course, please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
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Saturday, August 18, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Grazing School
The morning portion of this workshop will focus on creating a solid understanding of the basic principles of good grazing management systems. Starting first from the plants perspective, we will look at the needs of perennial pasture plants and how to meet those needs by following the grazing guidelines. From there we will do some group exercises and practice to learn how to calculate paddock sizes, stocking densities, stocking rates and understand what the ideal number of acres for a flock or herd is. We will then use real farm examples to practice dry matter measurements, paddock sizing, stock density and learn more about perennial plant anatomy and physiology.
In the afternoon we will look at pasture from the livestock perspective, learning techniques to meet their nutritional needs, maximize pasture dry matter intake, provide low-stress handling and when shade or shelter should be planned into the grazing. Though out the day we will look at practical ways to apply this information to improve pasture quality and productivity, while also improving livestock well-being and performance. This session will include indoor classroom time and outdoor time in the pastures. You will want to bring clothing to be comfortable both indoors, and outdoors in rain or sun. Bring a calculator and notebook.
This event will be held at Weatherlow Farms, 845 Sodom Rd., Westport, MA. Lunch will be provided by Weatherlow Farms for all attendees, and the cost is included in the ticket.