Volga area pasture walk will highlight one farm’s approach to rotational grazing
Volga area pasture walk is Aug. 13.
7/18/25
VOLGA, Iowa – Pastures in northeast Iowa can be a challenge for producers, especially those who want to establish a beneficial grazing program. However, one farm in Clayton County is making it work, according to Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab. Matt and Cassie Winters will host a pasture walk to share their progress with rotational grazing.
“This pasture is very typical of a lot of northeast Iowa pastures with creeks cutting up the grazing area, some trees, especially in the valleys, and the challenge of getting water where we need it in the pastures,” Schwab said. “These pastures are really challenging to subdivide in order to optimize grazing potential, and we’ll talk about various options to help do that.”
The pasture walk is set for Wednesday, Aug. 13, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Winters farm west of Volga. It will feature their rotational grazing program with cow-calf pairs and horses, and their watering system that includes a heavy-use creek crossing, a spring development, and buried water lines to tanks.
Schwab will discuss water systems, grazing management, and species differences, and ISU extension agronomist Josh Michel will discuss forage stand and weed management.
The walk begins at their home at 28339 Aspen Ave, Volga, with a brief introduction, and participants will be transported via hay racks to the pastures. Following the pasture walk, a light dinner will be served.
There is no charge to attend; however, please preregister by Aug. 11 to ensure adequate space and meal count. Do so by contacting the Benton County Extension office at xbenton@iastate.edu or 319-472-4739.
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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Denise Schwab, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist, 319-472-4739, dschwab@iastate.edu
