From one to six schools will be held during the grazing season between April 1 and October 1 in each of the nine grazing regions of the state. The regions don't fit any political or organizational boundaries, Roberts said. The counties are grouped according to similar soil, topography, and land use. The schools are held in different formats, depending on local needs. Some are held two days in a row, others are held in the evenings.
Schools are varied to fit local needs.
In some areas, dairy grazing is emphasized. In others, beef cattle are the main topic. NRCS requires successful completion of a school to participate in the cost-share program known as DSP3 conservation program. Grazing school participants receive a packet of materials that includes the Missouri Grazing Manual along with several other publications and a grazing stick, for measuring forage yield. That includes introduction to MIG, plant growth, forage quality, livestock nutrition, soil fertility, fence and water technology, layout and design and economics of grazing.