March 29, 2024

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar to Discuss Pasture Conservation and Grazing

AMES — Whiterock Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust of 5,500 acres located near Coon Rapids along the Middle Raccoon River. The Conservancy demonstrates a variety of sustainable agricultural practices that build soil health. Rob Davis, conservation land manager with Whiterock Conservancy, will discuss pasture conservation and grazing for soil, livestock and wildlife benefits during the Iowa Learning Farms webinar Wednesday, Jan. 17 at noon.

“Diverse pastures offer the opportunity to not just graze livestock more efficiently but also the opportunity to enjoy grassland habitat and associated wildlife,” Davis said. Davis oversees conservation grazing efforts with five different tenants on the trust’s land. During the webinar, the pasture system at Whiterock Conservancy will be reviewed with a focus on pasture and soil health. Grazing records on cool- and warm-season pastures offer economic insight as well as the opportunity to explore the impacts on what is happening below ground.

The Iowa Learning Farms monthly webinar series takes place on the third Wednesday of each month at noon. To log in, go to: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/  and log in through the "guest" option. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for viewing at any time at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.