5/26/98
LA CRESCENT, Minn. Ñ Farmers interested in alternative methods of improving
pastures under management intensive grazing systems are invited to a field day
at the Art and Jean Thicke farm near La Crescent, Minn., on June 10. The field
day will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Bring a sack lunch, drinks will be provided. For more information, call Richard
Ness at (507) 523-3366 or Art Thicke at (507) 643-6246.
The Thickes have been practicing management intensive grazing with Ayrshire
dairy cows for more than 15 years. They are experimenting with establishing
Palaton (a low alkaloid variety of reed canary grass) and red clover in their
existing pastures. They are doing this by letting the animals disperse the seeds
through their manure.
University of Minnesota forage agronomist Craig Sheaffer will talk about
introducing new forage species into pastures. In addition, Tex Hawkins, a U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, will give a presentation on monitoring and
establishing habitat for birds. The Land Stewardship ProjectÕs Richard Ness will
introduce field day participants to the ÒMonitoring Tool Box.Ó
This field day is co-sponsored by the Land Stewardship Project and the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program.
DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 90 take Nodine exit; go four miles east on County
Road 12; go two miles south on County Road 1; turn right on gravel road
(Township Rd #3); after about two miles go left at Y in road. The Thickes are at
the end of the road.
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