Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Knight Family Farm
30 Jones Road, Garland, Maine 04939
Cost: Free
About the Program
For many livestock producers, pasture is one of the most valuable resources on the farm. Knowing how much forage is available, how efficiently livestock are using it, and which plant species make up a pasture can improve both farm profitability and long-term sustainability.
At this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to answer key grazing management questions, including how much forage their animals need, how much forage they have available, whether they are grazing too hard or too lightly, and how they can improve pastures for long-term productivity.
Participants will gain practical experience using grazing sticks, pasture plates, quadrats, frames, and grids to measure and evaluate pasture conditions. Instructors will demonstrate how to construct and use these tools and explain how they can be incorporated into everyday grazing management.
The program will cover the art and science of grazing strategies, forage production, livestock forage utilization, forage species composition, and sustainable pasture improvement. Whether you raise small ruminants, cattle, or pasture pigs, this workshop will offer practical information to help you improve your grazing management.
Who Should Attend
This program is designed for livestock producers who graze animals on pasture, including those raising cattle, sheep, goats, and pasture pigs.
Participants will learn how to determine how much forage they need, how to measure available forage, how to incorporate forage estimates into grazing strategies, and how to improve pastures for long-term sustainability.
Those with discerning taste buds will also enjoy a Southern-style pit BBQ dinner.
Instructors
Dr. Jaime Garzon
Assistant Extension Professor and Forage Educator
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Dr. Glenda Pereira
Associate Extension Professor and State Dairy Specialist
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Dr. Colt W. Knight
Extension Professor and State Livestock Specialist
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
State Beef Specialist
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Melissa Libby Babcock, melissa.libby1@maine.edu, by June 16, 2026.