Thompson Rivers University Professor Lauchlan Fraser has done research on grazing practices and The Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors is inviting local farmers to learn more.
Fraser says innovative grazing practices build more soil, grow better pastures, raise healthier herds and adapt to climate change.
“Grazing management is as much a focus on long-term soil health as it is on forage productivity,” says Fraser, whose specialties include rangeland ecology. “Without a healthy soil, forage production and the resilience of forage to climate change will be limited.”
Farmers, along with the general public, are invited to hear the professor speak on grazing management systems, climate change and soil carbon, and invasive plants and agroforestry. The event is scheduled for Jimmy’s Pub & Grill on Wednesday, June 27 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
“We are pleased to offer these events as part of KBFA’s free technical production support to producers.” says Rachael Roussin, KBFA Program Coordinator. “Building soil and growing nutrient dense pasture helps producers improve agricultural production and efficiency, allowing agriculture in our region to thrive in these changing climactic times.”
This presentation is in addition to a producer-focused field day on June 28 at Kootenay Meadows Farm where owner Wayne Harris will demonstrate intensive grazing in practice on a working dairy farm and discuss the impacts on pasture, soil, and animal health with Dr. Fraser, ruminant nutritionist, Annette Suominen, and fellow ranchers and dairy farmers. Producers interested in attending this field day need to register by contacting KBFA.
KBFA provides information and services to support and strengthen agriculture in our region. Learn more at www.kbfa.ca.
