Goering Farms will host a field day event on Thursday, July 29, featuring methods to convert traditional cropland to a year-round grazing system.    

This in-person event will take place at the Goering farm in McPherson and will feature live demonstrations and experts speaking on a variety of subjects, including alternative livestock watering systems and electric fencing options.    

“These best management practices mean that producers can move to non-confined feeding sites for their livestock, which can help keep bacteria and nutrients out of the waterways,” said Ron Graber, a watershed specialist with K-State Research and Extension and coordinator of the Little Arkansas River Watershed WRAPS (Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies) program.   

Graber said those who attend the field day will have opportunities to ask questions and get advice about how they can apply these techniques in their own operations.    

Additional topics on the agenda include using solar panels on livestock waterers, advice on grazing annuals and how producers can access cost-share programs through WRAPS programs.    

The program begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. The event is free and lunch will be provided. More information, including registration, is available online from the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment at https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/. 

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.