Using Goats for Restoration and Market Diversification
Saturday, September 28 | 1 – 5 p.m. | Chelsea, IA
Are you curious about how raising goats can not only be fun but also profitable? Adam Ledvina will share why and how he raises Kiko goats to meet his goals of ecological restoration and profitability. As a beginning farmer, Adam has started a profitable business using goats for brush management and selling Kiko breeding stock. We’ll discuss permanent and temporary fencing, parasite resistance, genetic selection and the increasingly profitable goat market. Adam will also share how he manages browsing on other people’s land while using Natural Resources Conservation Service cost-share programs.
HOST: Adam Ledvina
THE FARM:
The Ledvina family operates 190 acres consisting of pasture, hay, row crops and land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. The farm comprises a diverse landscape, including riparian forests along a tributary of the Iowa River, prairie, savanna and hilly woodland forests. Ten years ago, the family farm consisted of 80 acres of row crops and 110 fallow acres; now it is used to its entire potential to support livestock, wildlife and conservation.
TOPICS:
- Kiko goats for ecological restoration
- Mobile grazing infrastructure
- Low-input, flexible management
- Farm transition
- Breeding, kidding and feeding
SPONSORS:
LOCATION: 2626 370th St. Chelsea 52215
DIRECTIONS:
From U.S. 30: Turn right (south) on P Avenue and go 4.4 miles (you’ll cross the Iowa River). Turn left (east) on 370th Street, travel 1 mile and turn left (north) on Q Avenue. Go about 0.3 mile to 370th Street and turn right (east); the white farmhouse will be just past the bridge on the right (south) side of the road.
From Tama: Take U.S. 63 south out of town for 2 miles and turn left (east) on 350th Street / County Road E64 go about 6.5 miles; the road will curve east and Co Rd E64 will join with 380th Street. Continue for 2.1 miles and turn left (north) on Q Avenue. Go 1 mile and turn right (east) onto 370th Street; the white farmhouse will be just past the bridge on the right (south) side of the road.
MEAL INFORMATION:
A potluck meal will follow the field day. Goat meat will be provided; please bring a side dish to share.
2019 Field Day Sponsors
A Level
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