Join Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, and John Strauser, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Grassland and Perennial Agriculture Outreach Specialist for this program that will identify ways groups can work together to implement perennial forage agriculture. This event will take place on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building, HWY 20 W. Elizabeth, IL 61028. Lunch will be provided for all participants. There is no fee to attend this program, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged by December 2 to ensure your meal. To register or for more information visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw or call us at 815-858-2273.
Over recent years many farmers have expressed increased interest in moving toward more perennial forage agricultural systems. However, systemic barriers have slowed this transition on many acres.
In this event we will highlight what some of these barriers might be and ways that communities can work together toward a more diversified agricultural landscape.
To facilitate this discussion, we have invited Grassland 2.0 Project team members Laura Paine, Outreach Specialist for Grassworks, Jim Munsch, full-time farmer, and Sarah Lloyd, University of Minnesota Supply Chain Specialist to share their insights
All three bring active agricultural and research experiences to the discussion. Through the program Match Made in Heaven: Livestock + Crops, Laura focuses on ways to get livestock back out onto the landscape. Jim’s family farm inspired him to develop a computer-based crop to forage transition cost estimator “Heifer Grazing Compass” and to begin work on a companion “Beef Grazing Compass.” Through her University of Minnesota positions, Sarah has worked on developing supply chains to identify ways farmers can more effectively bring dairy products and meat to market.
Grassland 2.0 project is a regional effort lead by University of Wisconsin which takes an integrated approach to developing technical and financial tools, expanding grass-fed markets, cultivating positive institutional policy changes, and empowering producers and consumers.
Don’t forget to register at go.illinois.edu/jsw!
If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend this program, please call the Extension Office at 815-858-2273. Early requests are strongly encouraged.