Honing Pasture Management

David Rosmann operates Rosmann Family Farms in Harlan, Iowa, with his wife Becky and their children Maggie, Ellie and Andrew; his parents Ron and Maria; and his brother Daniel and his wife, Ellen. Their 700-acre certified organic farm is a mixture of field crops, pasture, popcorn, small grains and hay as well as cattle and hogs. David is a lifetime member of PFI currently serving as president of PFI’s board of directors. His parents were among the first PFI members and on-farm research cooperators.

Strong proponents of rotational grazing, the Rosmanns pay close attention to the health of their pastures at all stages of their grazing calendar. At this field day, you’ll learn about the systems-based approach the Rosmanns take that can work on any farm, showcasing grazing, row crops, small grains and cover crops.

David will discuss the cool- and warm-season planting mixes that accompany each grazing period, as well as cattle maintenance and using hogs for fertilizer. He’ll share how the farm lowers its overall inputs by composting manure. You’ll also hear how the Rosmanns seed rotational cover crops, such as hybrid rye, for livestock feed and as a supplement for cattle and hogs.