Join us on Saturday, June 23rd, for an afternoon working tour of a management intensive grazing system on the Curt Mayes farm northeast of Lathrop, Missouri. The event will feature hands-on installation of fence and watering equipment that will be integrated into Mayes' state-of-the-art grazing system.

Management intensive grazing promotes efficient use of soil, plant, animal, and water resources. Livestock producers like Mayes optimize profitability, conservation, and convenience by systematically rotating animals among grazing cells. This livestock management technique enables more animals to be raised on fewer acres with im-proved quality and quantity of forage.

Topics to be covered during the action oriented tour will include construction of high-tensile electric fence, alleyway design, tire tank waterer installation, six-ball waterer installation, plumbing technology for livestock watering, rotational grazing strategies, stockpiling fescue, and more. In addition to Mayes' insight and experiences, personnel from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Missouri Extension, and Missouri Department of Conservation will be present to answer questions. Vendors will be on site with displays of livestock water and fence equipment designed to optimize grazing management.

The Grazing Management Tour is sponsored annually by area soil and water conservation districts and their conservation partners. The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. and conclude with a meal at 5:00 pm. Although there is no charge for the meal or tour, reservations are required by June 19th. Call Bill Bohnert, Jr. at 816-228-1836, extension 3, or e-mail bill.bohnert@mo.nacdnet.net for more details and a reservation.