Proper grazing management is one of the easiest ways that horse owners and livestock and dairy producers can increase on-farm profitability. The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension will cover many grazing strategies during a two-day grazing school at the Lake City Research Center Sept. 12-13.

The school will blend classroom-style instruction, hands-on education, and producer testimonials to give participants a well-rounded course in grazing management techniques.

Topics that will be covered range from an introductory overview of managed grazing to livestock nutrition. Attendees will also learn about plant growth, forage quality and species selection, determining yield and allocating pasture, and identifying forage species.

"Through properly managed grazing, producers can expect a minimum of 30 percent increase in forage utilization," said Jason Rowntree, MS, PhD, an MSU Extension specialist and assistant professor in the MSU Department of Animal Science. "An extended grazing season also minimizes the amount of hay needed to get through a winter