Online Grazing Program Focused on Dairy Herds Scheduled for March 2021

NEW YORK (January 29, 2021) – Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Regional Dairy Specialists, Alycia Drwencke and Betsy Hicks, would like to invite dairy producers, employees and agribusiness professionals across the state to join a series of 6 webinars focused on “Pasture Prep: Virtual Ruminations for your 2021 Grazing Program”. This virtual learning opportunity will be offered every Tuesday beginning at noon (EST) for 5 consecutive weeks March 2nd - 30th, 2021 with the 6th session occurring at 7pm on April 6th which will be formatted as a panel discussion. Each week will have an hour long presentation or discussion followed by ample time for questions. One-time registration is required by visiting https://tinyurl.com/dairygrazing - this registration is good for the entire series. There is a $25 registration fee which will cover access to all webinars, presented materials, and recordings.

This virtual learning opportunity will be offered via ZOOM with engaging presentations and open discussion. While the series will have an emphasis on dairy herds, all grazers are welcome. Topics covered will include: considerations for spring green up, dairy nutrition and grazing through the season, incorporating annual forages into the grazing season, managing lameness in your grazing herd, and getting the most out of your pasture investment. Presenters will include CCE Regional Dairy Specialists, Alycia Drwencke and Betsy Hicks, and Farm Business Management Specialist, Mary-Kate Wheeler. Industry presenters will include Troy Bishop with Madison County Soil and Water District, Sam Corcoran with UMass Extension, Jeff Wheeler and Dr. George Dawson with Diamond V, and Don Burkhard with Cows Come First. The final session in the series (7pm on April 6th, 2021), will be a one hour panel discussion with the industry experts that presented throughout the series. Participants will gain tips for improving the health and productivity of their herd and pastures along with tools to evaluate the efficiency and profitability of their grazing program.

For more information about the online dairy grazing series, contact Alycia Drwencke, Dairy Management Specialist, at 517-416-0386 or amd453@cornell.edu, or your local regional Cornell Cooperative Extension specialist. Registration is required ahead of time by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/dairygrazing . Following registration, participants will be sent a link to join the series and access to the materials covered.

SWNYDLFC is a partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Their team includes Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522); Joshua Putman, Field Crops (716-490-5572); Alycia Drwencke, Dairy Management (517-416-0386) and Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844). CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information, visit www.swnydlfc.cce.cornell.edu.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Dick Rivers, rer263@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301. 

Last updated February 1, 2021