Introduction to Management Intensive Grazing Systems Workshops and Resource Manual for Educators

Introduction to Management Intensive Grazing Systems Workshops and Resource Manual for Educators

Summary

Objectives of this project include:

1) Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) personnel will be provided with professional development training in management intensive grazing systems. Three workshops will provide personnel with an introduction to these systems through classroom instruction and field tours. Participants will gain a general understanding of management intensive grazing systems and will have the necessary resources to refer the clientele to appropriate experts and other sources of information. The educators for the workshops will include Extension, NRCS, University of Illinois researchers, grazing and forage specialists from other states and producers employing management intensive grazing systems on their farms.

2) Compile a resource notebook that will be used in conjunction with the workshops. The notebook will contain several publications, including the Missouri Grazing Manual and the ATTRA Beef Farm Sustainability Checksheet. The notebook will also include information about sustainable agriculture programs and activities in Illinois, as well as SARE programs, regionally and nationally.

3) Increase involvement of the University of Illinois Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) in management intensive grazing systems education and outreach.

4) Increase awareness of sustainable agriculture to those presently involved in management intensive grazing systems outreach, education and research and the workshop participants. Provide information about the ASAP program and SARE activities both in the North Central region and nationally.

The project provided professional development training at three regional workshops in management intensive grazing systems to 65 Extension, NRCS and SWCD personnel. Participants gained a general understanding of management intensive grazing systems and were given the necessary resources to refer their clientele to appropriate experts and other sources of information. A resource notebook was developed that was used in conjunction with the workshops and as a future reference guide. The workshops and related activities increased the involvement of the University of Illinois ASAP in management intensive grazing systems outreach as well as increased the awareness of sustainable agriculture to workshop participants.

For more information:
Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant
University of Illinois
P.O. Box 410
Greenview, IL 62642
217-968-5512 (ph/fax)
cavanaughd@mail.aces.uiuc.edu