Jones County pasture walk to highlight positives of using annual forages

5/20/26

MONTICELLO, Iowa – Cattle producers interested in ways to stretch their pasture with annual forages are invited to attend a pasture walk on June 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Monck/Vernon farm. The pasture is just east of 18702 175th St, Monticello.

Jeff and Shielly Monck and Nicole and Jon Vernon wanted to expand their cow herd but had limited pasture available. So they incorporated annual forages into their grazing plan using oats, cow peas, rye, turnips and various other annual species to increase grazing acres from crop ground.

They are also hoping to add virtual fencing collars to the grazing rotation this summer. By rotating between the pasture and the annual forages, they can provide more rest to the permanent pasture increasing its productivity. If the annual forages grow too fast or get ahead of the cows, they can chop it for stored winter feed.

Parking will be dependent on weather conditions and grazing rotation, so watch for signs along the driveway and road. Snacks will be provided by the Jones County Extension office. For more information contact the Jones County Extension office at 319-465-3224.

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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.

Contact:
Denise Schwab, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist, 319-472-4739, dschwab@iastate.edu