FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 17, 2010

CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us

Livestock grazing management strategies highlighted in new publication  

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota farmers interested in livestock grazing systems can turn to a new publication to learn more about this management method.  The book, Improving and Sustaining Forage Production in Pastures, was written by Howard Moechnig of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, who has worked for more than ten years as a grazing specialist and has planned hundreds of grazing systems.

“We were pleased with this opportunity to tap into Howard Moechnig’s expertise for the benefit of Minnesota farmers,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) grazing specialist Wayne Monsen.  “This publication provides guidance to producers for achieving a well-managed grazing system and will help them avoid common mistakes in pasture and forage management.”

Aside from adequate rainfall, the rate of growth of forages and annual yield are directly related to how well a pasture is managed throughout the entire grazing season, including the previous fall and winter.  This new resource presents strategies for preparing pastures for the upcoming year and improving pasture conditions, leading to better livestock performance.

The book, published by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, is posted on the MDA website at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/animals/grazing.aspx.  The Minnesota Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&D), WesMin RC&D and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assisted with development of the publication.

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