Proper manure management that includes manipulating feed rations may help decrease land base required for application while also reducing potential environmental pollution. Top of Page Next Pasture Networks Joan McKinlay, Soil and Crop Advisor, Markdale Pasture networks are forming throughout Ontario. These gather a small number of producers together to discuss the practical ideas behind good pasture management. There is lots of knowledge of how to manage pastures but the pasture walks help to determine some practical methods of managing livestock and grass as well as offering a forum to discuss the merits of new or different ideas. The group generally returns to the house for an informal discussion of what was seen or a chosen topic over coffee, lunch or a snack.
Food is important to create a more relaxed atmosphere where discussion is encouraged.
The group will need to decide how frequently they would like to meet. Repeat meetings with the same group helps members to begin to feel more comfortable with questions and they can explore many different subjects. Planning for the next meeting should be done before the meeting ends to set a time and place. This is the only formality required. The network needs to meet the needs of its members.