Livestock producers who want to learn more about rangeland management and wildlife conservation are invited to attend a Diversified Grazing Field Day on Sept. 6 at a ranch in western South Dakota.
South Dakota State University Extension is hosting the new field day near Union Center at the Basel family ranch. The event will last from 10 a.m. MT to approximately 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. It is free to attend.
Also known as “multi-species grazing,” diversified grazing rotates two or more livestock species on pastures or rangeland. Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist, said the practice promotes stronger plant and wildlife diversity, leading to long-term rangeland sustainability.
The Basel family ranch showcases that holistic approach to managing its sheep and cattle operations by tying livestock, wildlife and rangeland needs together. They use a rotational grazing system and target unwanted weed species, while also adjusting grazing patterns to benefit local wildlife – like the family of ground owls they are currently monitoring.
In addition to a tour of the Basel family ranch, the field day will include information from Krista Ehlert, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Range Specialist, and experts from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
To register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “grazing”.
SDSU Extension
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