Learn how to manage healthy pastures for maximum nutrition.

If you graze livestock, you know that a good grazing plan is paramount to the health of your animals and land, and ultimately to the success of your farm. Join us Thursday, June 22, 2017, 6:30pm – 9:00pm for a Twilight Pasture Walk near Duvall. We’ll visit two 100% grass-fed livestock farms, one raising beef, and another raising sheep for both meat and wool.

You’ll learn how to judge poor quality vs. healthy pasture, define a grazing plan based on your goals, how plant growth and grazing time affects rotation, how to create an individual system including sizing and timing, forage plants used as tools and their properties, along with the basics of maintaining a healthy pasture-based system. In addition, we will be talking about and practicing good biosecurity protocols as part of the pasture walk.

About the farms and farmers:

Jeff Rogers and wife Katya own and operate Aspen Hollow Sheep Station, which produces lamb and wool on 100 acres of pasture in the Snoqualmie and Sammamish Valleys. The Rogers pride themselves on being the only certified organic 100% grass-fed operation in North America. By paying careful attention to genetics, pasture improvement, and optimum rotational planning, the majority of their ewes quickly raise healthy triplets to market weight each year.

Bobbi Lindemulder and husband Chuck own West Valley Beef, a grass-fed beef operation where they are working towards the dual goals of sustainable farming and promoting local agriculture. Bobbi is also a program manager with Snohomish Conservation District, where for 20 years she has been working with landowners to develop farm plans, improve their natural resources, and meet their farm goals. A graduate of Montana State University with a degree in Range Resource Management, Bobbi oversees the district’s small farm and cost-share programs. In addition, she teaches farm-related classes throughout the year and consults with landowners on issues affecting their farms.

Space and parking is limited and pre-paid registration by June 21 is required. Event held rain or shine, dress for the weather. Be prepared to walk a fair distance to visit the pastures. To address biosecurity concerns, our farmers request that you wear clean and disinfected boots/shoes to ensure our hosts’ farms remain free from any potential for pathogen transfer. For more information on current biosecurity protocols for livestock, we encourage you to download and read the new publication from WSU Extension, Practical Biosecurity: Recommendations For Farm Tour Hosts.

Cost is $25 per farm (up to four in one vehicle) or $15 per person. Exact location address will be sent upon registration. Register online at TwilightPastureWalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Kate Ryan, kate.ryan@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6024.

Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Evidence of non-compliance may be reported through your local Extension Office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Karie Christensen at 600 128th St SE, Everett, WA (425) 357-6039 christensen4@wsu.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.