Allamakee SWCD and NE Iowa RC&D to sponsor Grassfed Field Day February 27

Local livestock producers and statewide and regional organizations are teaming up to host a field day February 27 for those interested in learning more about grazing, marketing and soil health in northeast Iowa. The Allamakee SWCD and Northeast Iowa RC&D are partnering with the Northeast Iowa Grassfed  Livestock Producer Group, the Leopold Center, Iowa NRCS, Practical Farmers of Iowa, The Pasture Project, and the Turkey River Watershed to host the event.  The field day compliments projects at both Northeast Iowa RC&D and the Allamakee SWCD to promote more pasture and hay in the crop rotation.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. at the Marquette Community Center with presentations and lunch. The afternoon will continue at 1:30 pm at Greg Koether’s Ranch for a pasture walk.
Through funding from an Iowa NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG), Northeast Iowa RC&D has been working with grassfed livestock producers from across the region to develop a marketing strategy to promote and inform about the benefits of grassfed livestock production. Marketing materials that are being developed will highlight the positive impacts grassfed management has on animal health and consumer health, and why it’s a good fit for northeast Iowa’s landscape.
Likewise, Sara Berges from the Allamakee County Soil and Water Conservation District recently received funding from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Her efforts will address the economic and environmental benefits of converting marginal cropland to pasture. She will also discuss related financial assistance options available through Federal EQIP funding.
The field day planned for February 27 will feature presentations about both projects. There will also be presentations from two well-known field experts - Doug Peterson of the Natural Resource Conservation Service and Dr. Allen Williams.
Dr. Williams, who will be speaking on issues related to marketing grassfed livestock, is a founding partner and current President of Livestock Management Consultants, LLC. This is a consulting firm that specializes in building natural branded food programs, facilitating value-based chain management, and ranch/farm business planning. During his career in the industry he has served as an Assistant and Associate Professor at Louisiana Tech University and as an Extension Beef Cattle Specialist/ Associate Professor at Mississippi State University.
Doug Peterson of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is a soil health specialist.  Peterson has worked for NRCS for over 25 years, and has a wealth of experience in the fields of ranching and soil health.  His talk will focus on grassfed management’s contribution to soil health.
In the afternoon, local rancher Greg Koether will be leading a pasture walk at his McGregor property to showcase his grassfed principles in action.
Those who have any questions or who would like to RSVP for the event are asked to call 563-864-7112. All are welcome to attend.