By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host two Dairy Pasture Walks this September in Northeast Iowa, offering hands-on learning for dairy farmers, graziers, and pasture management enthusiasts.
These informal events are designed to give attendees practical insights into forage-based dairy systems, including pasture management, low-cost milking parlors, and sharemilking arrangements.
The first walk takes place Wednesday, September 3, at the farm of Andy Schaefer, located near Garnavillo. Schaefer will provide a detailed tour of his pastures and parlor setup and explain his unique sharemilking program with a young couple. With over 30 years in grazing and dairying, he milks more than 100 cross-bred cows on 160 acres.
The second walk will be held Wednesday, September 10, at Jeremy Peake’s farm near Waukon. Peake will present his newly installed TRANS Iowa parlor system, discuss pasture management strategies for grass milk production, and lead a tour of his 80-acre organic dairy farm, home to 40 Jerseys and crossbreds.
Both events will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and include presentations from ISU dairy field specialists Larry Tranel and Jenn Bentley, who will share expertise on low-cost systems, pasture planning, and efficient milk production in grass-based systems.
“These pasture walks will offer participants a close look at innovative grazing practices, sharemilking arrangements and low-cost parlor systems tailored for grass-based dairy operations,” said Jenn Bentley, extension dairy specialist.
No registration is required, but RSVPs are encouraged. These walks are valuable opportunities for producers to connect, learn, and explore strategies that can benefit their own farms.
Visit the ISU Extension website or contact your local county office for directions and more event details.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education