University of Missouri Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service specialists will join with the Alliance for Grassland Renewal to present a March 3 workshop on how to convert cropland to pasture.
The event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MU’s Cornett Research Farm at Linneus. The 1,200-acre research farm helps to develop forage/beef systems for all classes of beef cattle by identifying the interactions of cattle, plants and soil.
MU Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey says the event focuses on regenerative agriculture, mixed grass stands, fence and water options and the economics of successfully converting cropland to pasture.
“Tight margins in row crop production coupled with record prices for beef cattle make this a great time to consider returning marginal crop acres back to feed for cattle,” said Bailey.
The six-hour event offers classroom sessions as well as hands-on demonstrations to help producers establish systems that benefit herd health and profits.
Bailey will open the workshop with a talk on how soil health and regenerative agriculture support successful beef operations. MU Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann and Will McClain of Missouri State University will follow with a presentation on perennial grass establishment, focusing on novel-endophyte tall fescue.
Mark Green of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will give insight into how pasture layout and infrastructure such as water and fencing are critical to successful operations.
MU Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts will offer a look at new fencing technology. He will demonstrate new halter virtual fencing collars that can reduce the workload for beef producers.
MU Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker will then explain the economics of establishing perennial grasses and available government incentives.
Source : missouri.edu