Event Details

Date

July 9, 2019

Time

11:30am - 2pm

Location

Virgil Farms
8335 Virgil Rd
Fabius, NY 13063

Cost

This event is free.

Host

Central New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Pre-Registration Deadline: July 9, 2019

EVENT HAS PASSED

Pasture Walk: Custom Grazing Dairy Heifers

July 9, 2019

Pasture Walk: Custom Grazing Dairy Heifers

Heifers are the foundation of a dairy enterprise, and raising replacements in confinement represents a significant investment. Grazing replacement heifers has potential to reduce the cost of replacements while improving health and productivity outcomes.

Join owner/operator Tim Virgil and CCE grazing educator Fay Benson for a pasture walk at a 40-heifer custom grazing operation. The program will cover all aspects of grazing dairy heifers, including:
  • Understanding what dairy operators need
  • Sourcing heifers
  • Transitioning heifers onto pasture
  • Grazing infrastructure and management
  • Forage and mineral supplementation
  • Economics of custom grazing
  • Developing a good contract
This program is designed for dairy producers who want to learn more about management intensive grazing. It is also intended for custom grazers and other landowners interested in setting up a heifer grazing enterprise. Participants will:
  • Learn about the production and economics of grazing dairy heifers.
  • Consider whether this enterprise would be a good fit for them.
  • Discuss proven management techniques with peers who have implemented grazing systems.
This is a free event. Please register in advance so we know how many people to expect. For questions, contact Mary Kate Wheeler by email at mkw87@cornell.edu


July 9 Pasture Walk Flyer (PDF; 708KB)


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Dairy

Dairy

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Livestock

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Forages

Grains

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Farmers Can Join MeatSuite For Free!

MeatSuite.com is a free resource provided by Cornell University where NY meat farmers can create a farm profile and list their bulk (wholes, halves, quarters) and bundled (i.e. Grilling Bundle) meat products.

Why should farmers join?

1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.

How do I join?

Farmers can visit https://www.meatsuite.com/farmers/ to create a free farm profile. You must list at least one product for your farm's profile to go live. You'll also have access to Cornell's free Meat Price Calculator, a helpful tool for pricing your meat to make a profit.

While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.

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