Embarras Grazing Partnership
Since 2020, the CCSWCD, The Land Connection, U of I Extension, Terra Elossa, LLC, IL Soybean Association, and the Pasture Project have partnered to provide education and resources to increase regenerative grazing practices in and near the Embarras River Watershed.
What We Do
Get Involved
In 2020, The Pasture Project identified the Embarras River Watershed as a high priority and high suitability watershed for regenerative grazing (read the story map here). This could bring many benefits to the landscape, most notably improving water quality, as the Embarras is recognized by the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy as a high priority watershed for phosphorus reductions.
The EGP first began outreach and education about regenerative grazing in 2020 through a Lumpkin Family Foundation grant, creating an introductory series for educators, then for farmers, to learn how regenerative grazing could be incorporated into East Central IL farm management plans.
Currently, the EGP is operating educational opportunities through a NCR-SARE Professional Development Program grant. See "Get Involved" for more information about upcoming events and resources!
Check here for upcoming events and new resources developed by the EGP or partners in the regenerative grazing space! Event information and registration is conducted through The Land Connection website. Links to register are coming soon!
Upcoming events:
Regenerative Grazing Office Hours Series
Free online discussions about common regenerative grazing questions, hosted on REGAIN!
Tuesday, December 6th @ 11:00 am CST
Topic: Managing animal energy levels year-round
Tuesday, December 13th @ 11:00 am CST
Topic: Grazing cover crops and residue
Tuesday, January 10th @ 11:00 am CST
Topic: Grazing with different cattle breeds
Tuesday, February 14th @ 11:00 am CST
Topic: Animal health considerations while regeneratively grazing
Tuesday, March 14th @ 11:00 am CST
Topic: Real life scenario workshop/case study; learn how to troubleshoot an issue
Tuesday, April 11th @ 11:00 am CST
Topic: Value chain development, rules & regulations, practical start-up information
Regenerative Grazing Winter Field Days
A spin-off from the Summer Field Days in June, we will host a two-day field day to discuss winter grazing management! Stay tuned for dates, registration links, and more!
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A Grassland 2.0 Learning Hub
In 2021, University of Wisconsin-Madison's Grassland 2.0 invited the Embarras Grazing Partnership to be a Learning Hub. With expertise and support from Grassland 2.0, the EGP will work with area farmers, stakeholders, and partners to enhance delivery of perennial grassland production systems and develop resources for Illinois.
Recent article about Grassland 2.0: "Biodiversity, resilience critical for future of agriculture".
Learn more about Grassland 2.0 by clicking the button below.