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Deadlines/Dates
February 26: Deadline to apply for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program
March 2: Deadline to apply for 2025 Livestock Indemnity Program
NRCS Highlights Innovation in Grazing: Virtual Fencing Offers New Solutions for Local Producers
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging local agricultural producers to explore the benefits of virtual fencing technology, an innovative approach designed to improve grazing systems and soil health. This cutting-edge technology offers a modern solution for managing livestock, providing flexibility and efficiency for today’s farmers.
Virtual fencing allows producers to create, move, and monitor grazing areas digitally, without the need for physical fences. This can lead to improved pasture management, better soil health, and increased operational efficiency.
To delve deeper into this and other crucial topics, the community is invited to an upcoming field day event: “BEYOND THE FENCE: Grazing, Virtual Fence & Fertilizer Reduction.”
This event will be held on two dates and locations:
• Tuesday, March 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wilder Business Center, Calmar Campus.
• Wednesday, March 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Conference Center, Peosta Campus.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from experts like Jacob Hawes and Tim Harbaugh, who will present on “Virtual Fence” technology. Jacob Hawes, an NRCS Grassland Specialist, combines his professional expertise with hands-on experience on his family farm to enhance grazing systems and soil health through virtual fence technology. Tim Harbaugh and his family also successfully use NoFence grazing technology on their Cox Springs Farm to manage diverse livestock and produce operations. Keynote speaker Greg Halich, a Forage Systems Economist, will discuss “Grazing Myths that Reduce Profitability,” “Bale Grazing,” and “Reducing/Eliminating Fertilizer Use on the Farm”. Other topics include “Maximize Corn Yields with Minimal Inputs” by Tyler Boeckmann, and “Conservation in Northeast Iowa” featuring the Jewell Family, Ross Evelsizer, and Zach Timm.
The event also offers 5 CEU credits for Certified Crop Advisers. Producers, landowners, and anyone interested in sustainable agricultural practices are encouraged to attend. To ensure your spot, please RSVP online at iowadairycenter.com or by phone at 563.562.3263, ext. 1332. The deadline to RSVP is February 23.
For more information, contact Melissa Elsbernd at 563.562.3263, ext. 1332 or elsberndmel@nicc.edu.
