By Scout Nelson
Kansas State University, in partnership with the Noble Research Institute and the United States Department of Agriculture, has announced a three-part grazing course series in Council Grove this summer. The program is designed to support ranchers in the Flint Hills region by improving grazing management and helping them make better land use decisions.
The course focuses on adaptive grazing management, which helps landowners balance livestock needs with pasture health. It combines hands-on learning with practical business strategies to improve ranch operations. The goal is to help participants build sustainable grazing systems that respond to changing weather and market conditions.
The first session will take place from June 16 to June 18. It will cover key topics such as maximizing forage use, preventing overgrazing, and calculating optimal stocking rates. These skills help ensure that grazing land is used efficiently without harming long-term productivity.
The second session will be held from July 14 to July 16. This part of the course will focus on aligning daily grazing decisions with overall ranch goals. It will also include guidance on improving fences and water systems and creating flexible grazing schedules that can adjust to environmental and market changes.
The final workshop will take place on August 11. This session will bring together all the concepts from the earlier classes and focus on developing a complete grazing plan. Participants will work on combining technical knowledge with business planning to strengthen their ranch management strategies.
The program is limited to the first 35 participants, making early registration important. Participants are expected to attend all three sessions, as the course is designed as a complete learning experience that builds step by step. For more information and registration.
This grazing course series provides valuable education for improving pasture management, supporting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening long-term ranch productivity in the Flint Hills region.
Photo Credit: kansas-state-university
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Hay & Forage, Education, General