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University of Illinois Extension serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties

Main Office (Stephenson County)
Building R, Highland Community College,
2998 W Pearl City Rd
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: 815-235-4125
FAX: 815-232-9006
Email:uie-jsw@illinois.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm

Branch Office (Jo Daviess County)
204 Vine, PO Box 600
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Phone: 815-858-2273
FAX: 815-858-2274

Branch Office (Winnebago County)
1040 North Second Street
Rockford, IL 61107
Phone: 815-986-4357
FAX: 815-986-4329
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

News Release

Pasture Walk Scheduled for June 14, 2010 in Pecatonica

May 4, 2010

Rockford, Ill. --A Winnebago County producer will "open their pasture gates" and host an Early-Summer Pasture Walk on June 14 from 4 pm to 6 pm. A pasture walk provides the opportunity to see and discuss various grazing management strategies and to share experiences "out in the pasture".

The event will be hosted by Jackie Flynn-Batista, 9027 Best Road, Pecatonica. Jackie and her husband have 25 Murray Grey beef cows and approximately 90 to 95 acres of legume-grass pasture and hay. In 2005 they received an EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) grant for installation of pasture fence and a watering system. Strip-grazing was implemented in 2009.

At the Pasture Walk, Jackie will share experiences with their grazing program and discuss their goal of grass finishing beef and maintaining an organic production system. Ed Johnston, Winnebago County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will address basic information on EQIP and Jim Morrison, University of Illinois Extension will highlight aspects of pasture management and forage quality. Handout material will be provided.

There is no fee to attend, but reservations are encouraged by contacting the Winnebago County Extension office, phone 815-986-4357, or http://web.extension.illinois.edu/winnebago/programs.html The event will be held rain or shine, so participants should dress accordingly.

The Pasture Walk is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, NRCS, Blackhawk Hills RC & D, the Northwestern Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, and the Illinois Grassland Conservation Initiative.

Please visit the University of Illinois Extension website at www.extension.illinois.edu/winnebago to learn more about the many programs and services provided by Extension.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

Source: Jim Morrison, , morrison@illinois.edu