Kansas livestock producers have been challenged by rising input costs, intensifying drought conditions and increasing land prices. This project provided educational and networking opportunities to help participants assess and manage production, market, and financial risk. Target participants included current graziers and ranchers considering the adoption of rotational grazing strategies.
A total of 438 farmers and ranchers participated in Amazing Grazing programming, which included a conference, six workshops and two field days across the state. Over 250 participants improved their understanding of rotational grazing strategies, water use, or livestock handling methods. Forty participants integrated an alternative forage to extend the grazing season or reduce input costs. Forty-four participants will either incorporate additional fencing to optimize grazing distribution and forage utilization or implement improvements to their watering system as a result of this project.
The Amazing Grazing Project strengthened the grazing network across Kansas and incorporated farmers intrigued by the possibility of integrating grazing and cover crops in their operations. It provided farmers and ranchers with requested programming and captured topics for future workshops, tours and hands-on sessions.