Effective Communication and Programming When Working with Amish Farmers: Reflections from a Wisconsin Agriculture Educator

The author, an agricultural educator who worked with the Amish in Wisconsin for over 30 years, discusses his outreach efforts, which have been focused on managed grazing, a method well suited to Amish producers. Managed grazing offers agronomic, economic, and ecological benefits. A key educational tool for communicating managed grazing practices is the pasture walk, and the author relates lessons learned from these events. The communal nature and focus on farmer-to-farmer information exchange is well received by Amish producers. It is helpful if pasture walk scheduling is done well in advance and is focused on farmer-based problems with farmer-based solutions rather than an emphasis on the wisdom of university experts. Given their collective experiences, a group of Amish farmers together are able to navigate complex grazing-related questions effectively at this event. While certain Amish producers may have technological restrictions that may make managed grazing more difficult, as with restrictions on electric fencing, creative solutions may exist. [Abstract by editors.

The Basics of Contract Grazing

Contract grazing arrangements put livestock on pastures in managed grazing systems. This fact sheet, #1 in a four-part series, describes the basics of contract grazing

The Basics of Contract Grazing

Contract grazing arrangements put livestock on pastures in managed grazing systems. This fact sheet, #1 in a four-part series, describes the basics of contract grazing.</p