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Articles by Kable Thurlow
The Great Lakes Forage and Grazing Conference returns for 2026
The Michigan Forage Council and Michigan State University Extension are excited to announce that the 2026 Great Lakes Forage and Grazing Conference will be held Thursday, March 19. The theme for this year’s conference is “Back to the Basics of Making a Profit.” This event is geared toward forage producers, students, graziers, agribusiness professionals and educators. The conference has moved to a new location. It will be held at the CTE John C.
Input by forages and pasture (grazers) producers is needed!
The Michigan State University Extension forage team invites Michigan forage and pasture (grazer) producers to participate in a brief survey designed to help us better understand your current needs and interests. Your feedback is essential in helping us evaluate existing Michigan State University (MSU) Extension programs and shape new, relevant initiatives to better serve the forage and grazing communities.
New MSU Extension bulletin, Winter Bale Grazing in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region now available
LANSINGMSU Extension has recently released a brand-new MSU Extension bulletin, Winter Bale Grazing in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region, which provides practical step-by-step guidance for farmers seeking more efficient and regenerative winter-feeding methods. The publication outlines how bale grazing works, equipment needs, benefits and drawbacks, and offers clear guid... To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
New MSU Extension bulletin, Winter Bale Grazing in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region now available
MSU Extension has recently released a brand-new MSU Extension bulletin, Winter Bale Grazing in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region, which provides practical step-by-step guidance for farmers seeking more efficient and regenerative winter-feeding methods. The publication outlines how bale grazing works, equipment needs, benefits and drawbacks, and offers clear guidelines to help producers reduce input costs, strengthen resilience, and build healthier soils across the Great Lakes region.
Winter Bale Grazing in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region
By Kable Thurlow and Frank Wardynski et.al Bale grazing is a cost-effective method for feeding livestock in late fall and winter. Producers place bales of hay or baleage in a pasture or other field in rows or grids before winter fully sets in. Livestock are then given access to a few bales at a time by moving temporary electric fencing in a pattern similar to that used in strip or rotational grazing in summer.
MSU Extension hosts virtual Beginner Grazing School
People who have started a new business enterprise often learn that decisions made during the beginning stages of the business can have long-term consequences on the success or failure of the venture. For new graziers, decisions about whether to establish or renovate new pastures, soil fertility rates and fencing can be overwhelming and sometimes get missed. To assist new and existing graziers, Michigan State University Extension is offering a virtual Beginner Grazing School.
Revitalizing Worn-Out Pastures: Effective Strategies for Livestock Farmers
By Kable Thurlow and Kim Cassida Often you hear someone say that they have a pasture that is worn out, but what does that really mean? In this article, we hope to shed some light on what that means and provide suggestions beef producers can use on their farm to determine if a pasture is really worn out, and how grazing can be used to improve the situation. The main focus of this article will be utilizing grazing management as a pasture renovation tool for those worn out or unproductive pastures.
Revitalizing worn-out pastures: Effective strategies for livestock farmers
Often you hear someone say that they have a pasture that is worn out, but what does that really mean? In this article, we hope to shed some light on what that means and provide suggestions beef producers can use on their farm to determine if a pasture is really worn out, and how grazing can be used to improve the situation. The main focus of this article will be utilizing grazing management as a pasture renovation tool for those worn out or unproductive pastures.
Winter Feeding Methods for Beef Cattle Farms in Michigan
By Kable Thurlow Feeding accounts for the largest expense on cow-calf farms. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, when you include both grazing and mechanically harvested feeds, the costs can range from 40-70% of the annual costs of keeping a cow. In Michigan, the typical method of feeding cows in the winter is done in a lot or a barnyard. This method has worked for many years, but it is not without its costs.
Winter feeding methods for beef cattle farms in Michigan
Feeding accounts for the largest expense on cow-calf farms. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, when you include both grazing and mechanically harvested feeds, the costs can range from 40-70% of the annual costs of keeping a cow. In Michigan, the typical method of feeding cows in the winter is done in a lot or a barnyard. This method has worked for many years, but it is not without its costs.
Stay in the Same Field With Grazing Terms
By Michelle Sweeten and Kable Thurlow Do you want to improve your grazing practices but get lost in the back 40 of grazing terms? As research and practices have improved pasture management practices, so has grazing terminology. As grazing methods change and improve, knowing what practices make sense in each situation is important. Simple changes such as adding a single field division can reduce weeds, improve animal performance and improve forages with no other inputs.
Stay in the same field with grazing terms
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Do Pasture Management and Nutrient Management Go Hand in Hand?
Do Pasture Management and Nutrient Management Go Hand in Hand? Looking to improve your grazing and nutrient management? A grazier can affect the manner that nutrients are distributed in a pasture simply by managing the grazing animals. (Farm Journal) The answer to that question is a resounding yes! A grazier can affect the manner that nutrients are distributed in a pasture simply managing the grazing animals.
Pasture Walks are a great way to spend an evening
What’s a pasture walk? It’s an event, hosted at a farm that is pasturing some type of livestock. In the case of the pasture walks that I have worked with, we have been on sheep, beef and dairy farms. Discussion topics are chosen through a series of conversations with the coordinator and the host farm, typically showcasing one or more innovative or game-changing ideas that farmers have developed. For example, some focus on watering systems and others on fencing.
MSU Extension Beginner Grazing School - August 22-23
According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, Michigan farmland contains over 523,905 acres of pastureland. Often these acres are marginal ground which is minimally managed. The Michigan State University Extension Beginner Grazing School will provide participants with the latest livestock and forage research on grazing management. The Beginner Grazing School is designed for individuals new to farming and established farmers looking to improve their grazing skills.
Dealing with drought-stressed forages
Dealing with drought-stressed forages Michelle Sweeten and Kable Thurlow, Michigan State University Extension - July 06, 2023 Do you have a plan for your drought-stressed forage fields? Throughout Michigan, farmers are watching the skies and wondering when the Great Lakes are going to send measurable rain showers. With dry forecasts, producers need to make plans to ensure their fields' longevity and health allow for future grazing or hay cuttings.
Managing your hay needs in a drought year
Managing your hay needs in a drought year Jonathan LaPorte, Michelle Sweeten, Kable Thurlow and Christine Charles - June 30, 2023 Dry conditions present concerns of a smaller hay supply and higher prices. Lack of rainfall this season has begun to create concerns about a reduced hay harvest. First-cutting yields have been lower than normal in drier areas and in fields with light-textured soils. If dry conditions continue into July, second cutting hay may see similar yield reductions.
Considerations for Selecting & Installing an Electric Fence Charger
Ireland's First Buffalo Farm in Cork | EASYFIX Evolve Feed Fence Video: Ireland's First Buffalo Farm in Cork | EASYFIX Evolve Feed Fence Thomas Meehan is the Farm Manager at Macroom Buffalo Farm - Ireland's First Buffalo Farm that was set up by Johnny Lynch. They are milking 130 buffalo's and produce 3 different types of buffalo cheese on site. Thomas explains why they opted for the EASYFIX Evolve Feed Fence and the benefits they've noticed since the installation.
The Michigan Forage Council Is Offering Mini Grants To Farmers With Forage-Related Projects In Mind
By Kable Thurlow The Michigan Forage Council (MFC) is offering mini grants to farmers to conduct demonstrations and mini research trials in the areas of forage production, forage storage or utilization in Michigan. The MFC recognizes the valuable information that can be obtained from small scale on-farm trials and will consider funding up to $500 per request, with as many as three requests granted per year.
Make the most of your day by joining our “Lunch Break” team.
Eric Karbowski, Paul Gross, Corey Clark and Kable Thurlow Published 8:00 a.m. ET May 5, 2021 EAST LANSING, MI. – Make the most of your day by joining our “Lunch Break” team. Get to know your local educators, learn about upcoming events and local resources to help you and your farm thrive. Staying connected can be one of the most valuable time investments a person can make to support their overall health.
Gear up for grazing with strong management plans
Holger Leue/Getty Images GRAZE EFFECTIVELY: Grazing grasses too early can reduce productivity because cattle will tend to graze the lower stem when nothing else is available. The spring sets the tone for the entire grazing season. Kim Cassida and Kable Thurlow | Apr 26, 2021 When the grass starts greening, the urge to get livestock on pasture is strong.
Spring Turn-Out Sets The Tone for the Entire Grazing Season
By Kim Cassida and Kable Thurlow When the grass starts greening, the urge to get livestock on pasture is strong. However, patience and a little planning will pay off because management of the spring flush of forage availability is key to setting the tone for the entire grazing season. When the grass starts greening, the urge to get cattle on pasture is strong.
Now is the time to plant fall cover crops for grazing
By Kable Thurlow The wet weather this spring left many fields unplanted. These fields can be a great place to seed an annual crop for fall grazing. Best forage yields are obtained when cover crops for fall grazing are July up to Aug.1 in Northern Michigan and Aug. 15 in southern Michigan. After these dates, yield potential decreases as the remaining growing season vanishes. Therefore, we are at the point where they should be planted soon.
Implanting Beef Calves at Summer Processing
Cow calf producers with the ability to handle calving off pasture should plan for a summer processing event. Early July for spring calving herds work well or when calve are about three months old. This offers a great time to evaluate any health concerns, deworm calves, and most importantly, add an implant. This should be done 90-100 days prior to weaning if possible to take full advantage of the implant and simplify re-implanting during weaning vaccinations.
Heat Stress: Recognizing the Signs and Tips to Keep Your Cattle Cool
Hot summer temperatures, currently climbing near the triple digits, combined with high dew points can cause significant heat stress to cattle. Heat stress is magnified when high temperatures continue into the night. The combination of high day and nighttime temperatures prevents cattle from properly cooling. Here are some simple tips from Michigan State University Extension to make sure your cattle stay comfortable: There are several stages of heat stress with the following indicators.
Heat Stress: Recognizing the Signs and Tips to Keep Your Cattle Cool
Hot summer temperatures, currently climbing near the triple digits, combined with high dew points can cause significant heat stress to cattle. Heat stress is magnified when high temperatures continue into the night. The combination of high day and nighttime temperatures prevents cattle from properly cooling. Here are some simple tips from Michigan State University Extension to make sure your cattle stay comfortable: There are several stages of heat stress with the following indicators.
Five-year Grass-fed Beef Research Findings Now Available
By Kable Thurlow New grass-fed beef research findings will be presented at MSU Agriculture Innovation Day on Aug. 24, 2017 at the Lake City Research Center. The MSU Lake City Research Center is noted as one of the leading university research centers in the world on grass-fed beef production.
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