As we near the start of the Spring grazing season, more folks have questions about setting up their grazing, watering, and fencing systems. I know, because I see those questions popping up on Facebook groups I follow. Loads of answers follow, but as one person wrote, those answers don’t necessarily fit for everyone or every place.

So what’s a grazier to do?

Go local!

As we near the start of the Spring grazing season, more folks have questions about setting up their grazing, watering, and fencing systems. I know, because I see those questions popping up on Facebook groups I follow. Loads of answers follow, but as one person wrote, those answers don’t necessarily fit for everyone or every place.

So what’s a grazier to do?

Go local!

Just about every county in the U.S. has an organization ready and willing to help:

Here’s the link to find your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

Here’s the link to find a Conservation District office.

Both organizations were created in the Dust Bowl era to help farmers and ranchers with management challenges. They can help you write grazing plans, figure out watering and fencing systems, and maybe find funding to help out. Just remember, staff availability depends on federal and grant funding. So, make your appointment early, and remember, they’re only human.

The Cooperative Extension Service has been around for farmers and ranchers since the early 1900s and is associated with state universities and land grant colleges. Agents are found throughout each state and can provide assistance similar to the NRCS and Conservation Districts. To find yours google “Cooperative Extension Service” and add your state name.

Graziers have also formed their own statewide and local grazing groups to help each other out. Many have very good mentoring programs, but all provide insights and encouragement specific to their locale. Check the National Grazing Lands Coalition (NatGLC) list here, and the American Forage and Grassland Council’s list here.

Yes, I know it’s much easier to type a question into Facebook, but sometimes that’s like asking a Magic Eight Ball for advice. So do yourself a favor – go local!

Finally, here’s a FREE “Grazing 101” ebook. As a one-time beginner, I put it together to answer all the questions I had then that would have helped me get started on the right foot. Check out the table of contents and download it here.

I hope all this gets you going on your best grazing season yet.

Thanks for reading, and stay safe out there!

Kathy

P.S. Want to check in with the Magic 8-Ball yourself? Here you go!