MADISON – Anyone interested in learning more about grazing as a land use option is invited to attend a free “Grazing as a Land Use Option” workshop on December 1, 2012, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Dodgeville at the Iowa County Health and Human Services building.  The workshop is hosted by Southwest Badger Resource Conservation and Development Council in partnership with federal, state and local organizations. 

Speakers from four organizations including the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will provide general information about grazing aimed at educating non-agricultural grassland owners who may be interested in grazing as an alternative use for their land.  The workshop will also feature a panel of five land owners currently involved in various types of grazing arrangements, ranging from simple leases to more complex agreements. 

Workshop presenters include:

• Laura Paine, Grazing and Organic Agriculture Specialist with DATCP
• Jean Stramel, Grazing Land Specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Area
• Gene Schriefer, UW-Extension Iowa County Agriculture Educator
• Dick Cates, Owner/Operator of Cates Family Farm and Coordinator of the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers

The workshop includes lunch and open to the public.  Space is limited and registration is required. To register, please contact Erin Holmes at 608-935-2791x141 or at erin.holmes@wi.usda.gov by November 25^th.

For more information about Southwest Badger Resource Conservation and Development Council, visit swbadger.org or contact them at 608-348-7110 or at swbadger@swbadger.org.

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