So you’re new to grazing. Or maybe still considering converting to a grazing operation– or maybe you’re new to farming in general– and you’re seeing these events pop up called pasture walks and you’re wondering– “What does that even mean?!”
The best way I can describe it, in Reader’s Digest version, is to say– it’s a fellowship of farmers coming together at a farm to discuss grazing, soil health, and sustainable farming practices and give the host farm a fresh set of eyes on their operation. In turn, it becomes an educational opportunity for the collective group.
Pretty cool right?! And there’s no wrong answer and no dumb question when it comes to a pasture walk. The day goes somewhat like this (of course this isn’t all inclusive or a set in stone agenda. The formats can and do vary):
Everyone Arrives. Greetings take place, small talk and introductions are done. Normally the group that organized the event will have a representative there to lead the day and keep things on task.
The Pasture Walk Begins. The host farmer will take everyone on a tour of their farm. Discussing their operation as they go. They’ll talk about the way they do things, challenges they face, successes they’ve had, etc. They’ll bounce questions off the group collectively. Those who would like to offer input certainly can. And Those who want to sit back and soak it all in can do that as well. (In fact, for the first few I attended, that’s exactly what I did.)
Grass Identification/Soil Health Discussion. There’s usually always a grazing specialist on hand during a pasture walk, and they love talking all things forage! The specialist will usually pick a plot in the pasture with a good mix of grasses and will discuss how to identify the different grasses and legumes. Sometimes they’ll take a shovel and dig a small shovel full of soil to show sections of the roots and check out soil health.
If available, they’ll go over the most recent soil test report with the group. At that point, discussion will take place on soil health and if improvements are needed, what can be done. Attendees at these events can include agronomists, seed suppliers, extension office employees, etc. All willing to lend their expertise.
More Fellowship. After discussions on soil health, operations, forage, etc. have taken place, most of the time folks will stay after to enjoy each others company for a bit. A lot of times there are refreshments and sometimes even lunch for the group.
In my personal experience, I’ve found this time with fellow farmers just as valuable as the education portion of the day. You’ll find yourself leaving with a renewed wind in your sails and perhaps even pulling in to your farm with a fresh set of eyes on things you’ve learned that day that you’d like to incorporate in to your own practice.
Attending a pasture walk means time away from your own farm, but that small stitch in time could prove to be invaluable.