Editors Note: The class scheduled for June 2 at the Prairie Research Unit was canceled on May 24 and will not be rescheduled.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The Mississippi State University Extension Service will offer its annual spring grazing school to help livestock producers with their forage management practices.

In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, MSU Extension Service specialists and research scientists will present two events to discuss the latest forage issues facing livestock producers. Classes will be held May 26 at the Multipurpose Center in Brookhaven and June 2 at the Prairie Research Unit in Prairie. Both events are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“These regional grazing schools will focus on specific demonstrations and topics that are applicable in each area,” said Rocky Lemus, Extension forage specialist. “The events are designed for producers who would like to improve their grazing and hay production management and learn more about rotational grazing and nutrient management.”

Previous grazing schools were held on the MSU Starkville campus and were more general in nature. By having spring and fall grazing schools located in different parts of the state each year, Lemus can tailor information to each region’s clients.

“Nutrient management issues and fertilizer prices are major concerns for our livestock producers,” Lemus said. “The grazing school will address ways to be more efficient at using fertilizer and key management practices. The event also will tackle weed control issues, which are a big problem for the grazing system in Mississippi. The goal is to help producers develop an effective grazing management system that will increase pounds of beef produced in a pasture-based program.”

The cost of the one-day program is $20 per person and includes lunch, a grazing school resource CD and handouts. Registration is required by May 23 at 5 p.m. Participants can call Rocky Lemus at (662) 325-7718 for more information.