We’ve all heard about the benefits of increasing stock density—but what does the jump from 5,000 to 100,000 lbs of animal per acre actually look like in practice?

Join SFA Grazing Education Lead Patrick Toomey and Farmer Education Director Jonathan Kilpatrick at Great Heritage Farms near Winthrop, MN, where farmers Leah and Benjamin Matzke will demonstrate increasing stock densities in real time. Participants will observe, compare, and discuss how pastures, soils, and livestock respond at each level.

Topics include:

• How stock density and time on pasture influence outcomes
• Understanding Brix and what it means for ruminant nutrition
• Plant and soil responses to grazing—and why they matter
• Identifying overgrazing (even in well-managed systems)
• “Gardening” pastures with livestock for long-term productivity

This is a hands-on, in-field learning experience focused on what to look for, how to interpret what you see, and how to apply it back on your own operation.
201 - 301 level event.

Free Admission
Pre-registration requested
Lunch Provided

Presented in collaboration with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

More information: Patrick Toomey EMAIL

Inherent Risks of Agritourism  Inherent Risks of Livestock Activity

SFA staff and volunteers occasionally take photos during our events for promotional purposes and to use as documentation to share with our funders.  If you do not wish to be photographed, please let our event host know -- we'll make every effort to make sure you are not photographed.