AFTON, Iowa – Have drought conditions and overgrazing left your pastures in rough shape? Could you use a refresher on pasture management strategies? The March 4 session of All Things Beef might be just the ticket. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark said this session will include information to help producers meet nutritional needs of their herds and optimize pasture productivity going into the 2024 growing season.
“Thoughtful pasture management is really important for profitability and productivity. And it becomes even more critical during prolonged drought,” he said. “We will discuss several strategies to help with preparation and renovation of pastures for this growing season and we may also touch a bit on pasture watering systems.”
Potential topics of discussion include delaying pasture turnout, fertilization, weed control, rotational grazing, incorporation of summer annuals, and strategies to provide water.
Clark, Jodi Hitz of the Union County extension office, and Dawn Dugan of the Ringgold County extension office worked together to plan, organize, and host these workshops to meet the needs and interests of area producers.
“This will be our last of four sessions for this program, and even if you missed the earlier sessions, you are still welcome to attend,” he said. “We are asking people to preregister if you would like to attend. We are planning to provide a light supper, and preregistration helps with our preparation.”
This last session will be held March 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Afton Community Center. The community center is located at 240 N Douglas in Afton, and preregistration can be made by calling either the Ringgold County extension office at 641-464-3333 or the Union County extension office at 641-782-8426. You also can email the Union county office at jhitz@iastate.edu.
See the workshop series flyer with information on all sessions and preregistation details.
