The Kansas Farmers Union in McPherson Friday announced that it has received a grant from the North Central Risk Management Education Center. KFU will use these funds to support Kansas livestock producers challenged by rising input costs, intensifying drought conditions and increasing land prices.
Amazing Grazing programming includes a conference, six workshops and two field days across the state. The project will tap both Kansas experts and nationally-known educators to assist producers in enhancing grazing management. More than 300 graziers are expected to participate in events covering diverse topics such as range and drought planning, low-stress livestock handling, improved soil health and forage development.
“The North Central Risk Management Education Center is dedicated to funding projects that help producers learn and adopt effective risk management practices and strategies. This project promises to help livestock producers manage current challenges from drought to land costs, implement effective strategies including managed grazing, and position their operations for success,” said Brad Lubben, Director of the NCRMEC.
The grant is a collaboration with the Kansas Graziers Association (KGA), a grassroots producer organization formed in 2000 to support Kansas ranchers with educational activities including workshops, tours and networking opportunities. “The beauty of this group is the way in which members share their experiences and wisdom with each other-the good, the bad, and the different,” explained Mary Howell, KGA Board Secretary and KFU Member Specialist.
“We’re extremely excited to organize and offer this high quality programming,” stated Howell, who will serve as Project Director. “The upcoming year of activities are open to anyone involved in the ranching and livestock industry and will be very worthwhile! Stay turned for dates and details.”
Visit the Amazing Grazing blog for project info, event details or to sign-up for the e-newsletter: www.kansasgraziers.blogspot.com.
“I’m really happy that Kansas Farmers Union can offer the livestock producers of Kansas availability to these great resources, especially as drought management affects our management decisions more all the time,” says Donn Teske, KFU President.
Amazing Grazing project collaborators include Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, National Resources Conservation Service, Kansas State Research and Extension, and Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops.
The North Central Risk Management Education Center (NCRMEC), supported by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, awards grants through a competitive application and review process. NCRMEC will fund 16 projects totaling approximately $652,000 from the 31 submitted full proposals requesting $1,220,289.
Learn more about the project at http:// www.kansasfarmersunion.org/docs/amazing-grazing.pdf.