As of Jan. 1, 2018, Kansas was the 6th top producer of beef in the nation. Most of the cattle spend a majority of their lives on grass in our native pastures. But as a rancher, are you taking care of your grass for optimal production? Many producers practice continuous grazing for the management of their pastures. This consists of allowing the livestock to selectively choose what forage they want to eat in a large pasture over an entire growing season. Sometimes, the struggle to ensure that your livestock have forage all winter long can be a challenge, especially in dry years. Managing your available forages throughout the year can be an issue, but there is information and practices that may help make it easier and more profitable.
At 9 a.m. on Aug. 16, K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will host a Rotational Grazing in the Rangeland workshop. The workshop will consist of a tour of Greg Axman’s rotational grazing and haying operation. Keith Harmoney, KSRE Rangeland Specialist, will be there to discuss the basics of managing your rangeland including stocking rates, continuous and rotational stocking along with other subjects. Augustine Obour, associate professor of Soil Science, will also attend and speak with the producers about cover crop forage production potential and grazing impacts on your soil’s health.
There will be a meal to follow the tour with the availability to discuss practices and ask questions. To RSVP for an accurate meal count, call 620-793-1910 or email aboor@ksu.edu. The meal and beverages for the workshop have been sponsored by Barton County Conservation District and The Great Bend Coop.

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.