The public is invited to a DGA Summer Fling Pasture Walk at Roger and Michelle Benrud’s Organic Dairy Farm on August 31, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The main focus will be on pasture production to improve farm economics. Jim Paulson from Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, Dan Nath from NRCS, and Vance Haugen, retired University of Wisconsin Extension Agent, will help us discuss pasture production financials and forage ideas for the Benrud Farm.

Before lunch, we will briefly discuss current dairy farming pressures and hear results from an ongoing study looking at financial performance of dairy grazing farms in four states. We will also learn about the new rainfall insurance available to us.

Afternoon discussion will be out in the pasture. This is an organic, all grass dairy farm. We will be examining the forage stands and discussing actions to thicken the sward, improve quality and increase tonnage of feed for the cows. These topics directly influence the overall farm financial success.

The project (four state ongoing grazing dairy farm financials) is sponsored by Green Lands Blue Waters and Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, with funding support from the USDA Risk Management Agency.

R.S.V.P. appreciated, but not necessary to Bonnie Haugen, bonnie@dga-national.org or 507-421-7170