PCSWCD will host rotational grazing workshop

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Alice Begin, grazing specialist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will be the featured presenter for the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District’s (PCSWCD) rotational grazing workshop to be held on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Thompson Free Library from 10 a.m. to noon.  

The workshop will focus on how to manage pastures for increased productivity, animal health and benefits to soil and water resources. Begin will provide an overview of the basics of rotational grazing and how it can work best. The workshop will be informal and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about rotational grazing and related topics. Participants can also learn about NRCS technical and financial assistance for landowners with livestock. Informational handouts will be provided to support the workshop.

Begin is a resource conservationist with NRCS. She provides technical support for grazing, nutrient management and other NRCS conservation practices. She and her family own and manage a 70-acre farm, which includes, among other things, intensive pasture rotation of diversified livestock and making their own hay. She has experience managing the grazing of cows, horses, sheep, and goats.

Pre-registration by Monday, Feb. 18 is required and donations are requested to support this and related educational and technical assistance programs. For more information, please e-mail info@piscataquisswcd.org or call 564 -2321, extension 3.