Winter Bale Grazing Pasture Walk
Event Details
Date
January 10, 2026
Time
10am-Noon
Location
Hillside Farms
Truxton, NY
Cost
Free Registration : Free
Host
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops
Have you heard about or seen bale grazing and wondered if it would work for you? Do you want to learn the nuances and logistical context for implementing this regenerative practice? Are you interested in seeing the impacts of bale grazing on land and animals from a practicing farmer? Do you need some fresh air and to network with other beef farmers in the snow (or possibly mud)?
If you answered Yes to any of these questions, The Northeast Region National Grazing Lands Coalition, the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Hillside Farms are teaming up to showcase our second Bale Grazing Winter Pasture Walk!
- You'll see beef cattle grazing round bales strategically fed on pasture to improve pasture quality and productivity.
- You'll see the realities of efficient winter feeding on pasture, while protecting soils and prioritizing animals welfare and performance.
- You'll hear different perspectives on hay "waste" and its contributions to pasture improvement.
- You'll see if this is a practice that makes sense for your farm (we think it will!)
This morning program will be a hardy, on-farm, dress accordingly, winter weather event. Space is limited for this workshop so first come-first serve. There is no cost for the event, but pre-registration is required!
In the case of cancellation due to "extreme winter weather" (think: road closings and emergency weather declarations) a cancellation email will be sent to those who have registered by 7 pm Friday, January 9th.
Questions can be directed to Betsy Hicks at bjh246@cornell.edu or Troy Bishopp at (315) 749-4528
This workshop is part of a National USDA-NRCS CIG Grant by the University of Kentucky Research Foundation entitled: Bale Grazing: A Practical, Low-Cost, and Environmentally-Sound Management Strategy to Winter Beef Cattle. The project partner states are Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. You can learn more by visiting https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/usda-innovation-grant-bale-grazing-study-yielding-positive-results-kentucky
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
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Winter Bale Grazing Pasture Walk
January 10, 2026
Truxton, NY
Join us for the second Bale Grazing Winter Pasture Walk!
Have you heard about or seen bale grazing and wondered if it would work for you?
Do you want to learn the nuances and logistical context for implementing this regenerative practice?
Are you interested in seeing the impacts of bale grazing on land and animals from a practicing farmer?
If you answered Yes to any question, The Northeast Region National Grazing Lands Coalition, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Hillside Farms are teaming up to showcase our Second Bale Grazing Winter Pasture Walk!
Announcements
USDA Contract Freezes and Terminations: Legal Action Steps for Farmers
For Farmers with Signed EQIP and CSP ContractsThis resource is written for farmers and ranchers nationwide who have a signed contract with USDA NRCS under the EQIP or CSP program for environmental improvements but have concerns that their contract is frozen, under review, or terminated, and who are uncertain of their rights to receive reimbursement as well as their ongoing obligations under the signed contract.
Version: 1.0
Issue date: Feb 28, 2025
A downloadable factsheet is available at our BUSINESS tab on the top of our webpage.
Additional Information: www.farmcommons.org
USDA Contract Freezes: Filing an NAD Appeal or Demand Letter
This resource is written for farmers and ranchers nationwide who have a signed contract with USDA NRCS under the EQIP or CSP program for environmental improvements and want more information on the mechanics of filing a National Appeals Division (NAD) appeal. This resource includes sample letters.
USDA NAD Appeal https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-hearings-and-appeals/national-appeals-division/nad-appeals
Farm Participants Needed for Bale Grazing Grant!
Information on the Project:- Approximately 10 acres total needed to bale graze two different bale densities
- "Core" farms will graze two winters, "Demo" farms will graze one winter.
- Payments for both "Core" farms and "Demo" farms
- Baseline soil sampling by bale grazing team
- Forage measurements in early season by bale grazing team
- Late season clipping if residual not trampled down by farm
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