Wisconsin's Grazing Networks: History, Structure, and Function

ABSTRACT Management intensive grazing (MIG) is an alternative livestock production system that involves producing the bulk of a herd's forage requirements from pasture. Grazing is managed to maximize the productivity of the pasture and reduce overall feed costs. In contrast to confinement systems, MIG involves feeding a complex mixture of fresh forage grasses and legumes characterized by frequent changes in quantity and nutritional quality. The skills needed to manage this system well are not easily learned via traditional sources of agricultural information. Livestock producers in Wisconsin have capitalized on the potential of farmer‐to‐farmer learning by forming numerous grazing networks throughout the state. In the fall of 1998, we conducted a survey of grazing network coordinators to evaluate the structure and management of grazing networks, types and effectiveness of activities undertaken, and how state and federal agencies are supporting and can support the networks' efforts without compromising their independence. Coordinators of all 23 Wisconsin networks were surveyed via mail or phone. Respondents were asked questions on the following topics: (i) network composition and size; (ii) structure and coordination; (iii) programming and activities; and (iv) challenges, concerns, and accomplishments. Responses suggest that grazing networks vary widely in their composition and structure, but share similar activities, interests, and concerns. Factors that influence the effectiveness of networks as a mechanism for farmer‐to‐farmer information exchange include regular communication, agency support, homogeneity, attention to the needs of both advanced and beginning graziers, and a personal commitment to the network on the part of individual members.