Forage Council Grazing School
sept-11-2026

sept-12-2026

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9:00 a. m.

4:00 p. m.

Ubicación

Verndale Community Center

Featuring:

Patrick Toomey * SFA grazing specialist

Eric Blaha * Wholesome Harvest Farm

Rick Tamm * Byron Seeds

Thor Didrikson * Didrickson Farm

Annaliese & George Walker * Walker Farms

George Heller * West 80 South Polls

Day 1: Laying the Foundation - Soil, Seed and Solar Collectors  Sept 11, 9am - 4pm

Discussion on the impact of grazing on soil health, and the difference good pasture management can make. Learn about the seeds that are the bedrock of flourishing pastures.

Afternoon, the “classroom” shifts to Eric Blaha’s Wholesome Harvest Farm, where the approach to farming successfully has its root in a successful manufacturing enterprise. To close the day we learn about sowing seeds, soil biology and year-round forage systems.

Day 2: Building Framework - Infrastructure and Farm Business   Sept 12, 9am - 4pm

There is always a lesson to learn in a farm operation, presentations are aimed at maximizing those lessons. Thor Didrickson has learned to make changes in response to those lessons, on their multi-generational farm that dates back to the early 1900s. How we handle animals has a huge impact on how they thrive.

Presenters George/ Annaliese Walker will demonstrate how to improve your stockmanship with the use of the Bud box system, and how to move stock from paddock to paddock.

George Heller, West 80 South Polls, will demonstrate watering systems for both outwintering and summer grazing, he’s developed.

Pre-registration required; no day-of registration:
$150 both days
$100 one day
$100 each additional farm member(one or both days)

Refunds for cancellations can be requested up to 48 hours prior to the event.

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.