Secrets to Success in a Grass-Based System

Date: 08/17/2012
Time: 1-4p.m.

Hosts:

Nick and Steve Wallace

Wallace Farms

1531 74th St.

Keystone, Iowa 52249

515.480.8763

nick.wallace@wallacefarms.com

Description:

Visit a unique organic farm in east central Iowa, where Nick and Steve have a crop rotation of pasture, annual forages and grain. After leaving their high-value land in permanent pasture for several years and noticing a production drop, they realized the best way to raise grass-fed beef and have a profitable system was to rotate for higher production and forage quality. They also have utilized NRCS programs to help with some of the improvements on their farm such as interior fences and watering systems. Hear about the different forages, both grazed and harvested, that they use throughout the year on their farm for consistent good cattle gains on grass only.

Topics:

· Forage chain

· Crop rotation

· Grazing annual forages

· Raising grass-fed beef on high-value land

· NRCS grazing programs

Farm description:

Wallace Farms is 160 acres; half is certified organic,with the other half in transition. The Wallaces graze 80 steers on 30 acres of pasture using management-intensive rotational grazing, and have a long crop rotation with forages and grains, including organic corn and oats, Italian rye grass, grass hay, sorghum-sudangrass, non-GMO soybeans and winter wheat. The Wallaces market their meat and meat from other farmers with similar production systems through buying clubs in multiple cities.

Directions:

4 miles directly south of Keystone;1 mile south of Hwy 30 and 15th Ave.

Our ProgrAms

Secrets to Success in a Grass-Based System

Date: 08/17/2012 Time: 1-4p.m.

Date: 08/17/2012
Time: 1-4p.m.