Ecological Service Livestock Network
Advancing the art and science of livestock-based land management
A Networking Group of the Sustainable Farming Association, the Ecological Service Livestock Network (ESLN) seeks to develop business models and facilitate research and pilot studies to advance the art and science of profitable livestock-based, land management businesses, with emphasis on but not limited to urban, suburban and peri-urban landscapes.
This group is tailored toward conservation professionals who promote service livestock as a way to combat invasive species, manage land and restore ecological functionality, reduce the use of pesticides and fossil fuels, and start a rewarding livestock-based business.
The Ecological Service Livestock Network is a collaboration between SFA and the University of Minnesota Extension.
Info: Lia Spaniolo, University of Minnesota Extension, spaniolo@umn.edu
Upcoming Events
Pasture Walk Series #4: Oak Savannas, Native Prairies, and Goat Grazing
Thursday, July 25 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Address: Lakeside Prairie Farm: 20503 180th Ave. Barrett, MN 56311
Bryan and Jessie Simon of Lakeside Prairie Farm have been farming in Grant County, MN for over 10 years. Their farming journey originally started as a desire to offer a full-diet CSA. After clearing and fighting buckthorn on their farm for years, the Simons brought in goats to help keep it under control. That move serendipitously launched them into Lakeside’s primary enterprise: a goat grazing service that focuses on removing buckthorn for area parks and individuals.
During this walk, we will discuss the following topics:
- The oak savanna restoration work at Lakeside Prairie Farm
- The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant that the Simons were recently awarded, which focuses on oak savanna restoration following buckthorn removal
- Using goats to control buckthorn
- Native prairie restoration and management
- Operating a goat grazing business
- Custom cattle grazing
And as always, many more topics will be sure to come up!
Come prepared to spend a good bit of time hiking around, asking questions, and seeing the beautiful setting of Lakeside Prairie Farm!
Registration: It is free to attend. Advance registration is requested, walkups are welcome.
Info: Jonathan Kilpatrick, jonathan@sfa-mn.org
Forage Council Grazing School
with Greg Judy and Isaac Tappenden
September 27 & 28, 2024
Verndale, MN
Greg Judy and Isaac Tappenden with Green Pastures Farm will be the featured guest speakers at the Forage Council's 2024 Grazing School.
The School will offer a mix of sessions on basic grazing techniques as well as in depth sessions for advanced grazers. One session will focus on raising sheep and goats and their pasture management.
Learn more and register on the Forage Council's webpage.
Service Livestock Resources
- All
- Case Studies
- Fact Sheets & Reports
- Handbooks
- Podcasts
- Videos
- Webinars
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.