Category: Grazing
Since it was created in 1989, CIAS has supported grazing research. We take a systems approach that unites grassland management, animal nutrition, economics, marketing, rural sociology, and the environmental benefits of grazing. One important goal of our work is to strengthen links between researchers and the grazing community.
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Posted on January 23, 2013
Managed Grazing’s Effects on Soil Quality and Structure
A long-term southern Wisconsin cropping systems study shows that soils under managed grazing have a number of positive characteristics compared to soils under other cropping systems.
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Posted on January 15, 2013
Mentor-Intern Handbook for Dairy and Livestock Farmers
This handbook will help mentors develop their teaching skills as they progress through their first—or perhaps fortieth—internship.
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Posted on January 2, 2013
Pastured Heifers Grow Well and Have Productive First Lactations
Dairy heifers that were raised on pasture in the ongoing Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems
Trial (WICST) performed as well as or better than similar heifers that were raised in confinement. -
Posted on July 3, 2012
Growing Wisconsin’s Grazing Future: Results of the Blue Sky Greener Pastures Consultation Process
For a wide variety of economic, environmental and social reasons, it makes good sense to regard the practice of managed grazing as an effective system for strengthening dairy and livestock farming in Wisconsin. The UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) partnered with GrassWorks, Inc. to develop a statewide, participatory discussion about managed grazing that they called “Blue Sky Greener Pastures” (BSGP).
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Posted on March 28, 2012
Wisconsin Grazing Initiative 2012 Report
The Wisconsin Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative funded several innovative grazing-related projects from 2009 to 2011. The Wisconsin Grazing Initiative 2012 Report details the 21 educational […]
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Posted on July 14, 2011
Finding a cost effective, persistent legume for Wisconsin pastures (Research Brief #85)
Is there a legume that establishes and yields well, persists and is cost effective? Through on-farm research, Wisconsin beef grazier Jim Munsch set out to answer this important question on his Deer Run Farm.
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Posted on May 1, 2011
A Summary of Dairy Grazing Practices in Wisconsin
Managed grazing is an effective option for dairy farmers in Wisconsin. This system, which maximizes utilization of fresh pasture and focuses on reducing production costs, has potential to improve profitability of dairy operations of all sizes. Managed grazing is size‐neutral and flexible, a practice that can be adapted to any farming system. Dairies using managed grazing average 61 milking cows but range from over 1000 milking cows to under ten.
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A Summary of Beef Grazing Practices in Wisconsin
Managed grazing is an effective option for beef producers in Wisconsin. This system, which dramatically increases yield and quality of pasture and focuses on reducing production costs, has potential to improve profitability of beef operations of all kinds.
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Posted on January 31, 2011
Fall grazing management affects burdock populations in pastures (Research Brief #84)
Grazing management can affect the prevalence of burdock in pastures. According to a study by
UW-Madison researchers, shorter forage heights left in the fall can lead to higher burdock populations in the following growing season. -
Posted on September 30, 2009
Grass-Based Dairy Products: Challenges and Opportunities
There is growing consumer interest in dairy products from grass-fed cows. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental, health and taste benefits of eating dairy and other animal products from livestock fed using managed grazing. If this interest translates into demand, it may open new value-added markets for farmers who use managed grazing.