Posted: 10.17.2011

The popularity of grazing livestock is straining some new training programs in Wisconsin.

GrassWorks, Inc. is actively seeking new educational farms to host
enthusiastic next-generation graziers in its Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
program. The program, which combines on-farm training under the
guidance of an established grazier with formal instruction, was developed
by GrassWorks in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce
Development and has attracted a lot of attention in recent months. “It’s
exciting to see how this Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship has taken off,” says
Project Director, Joseph Tomandl, III. “We now have more applicants than we
have grazing farms to place them on! This is a very impressive group of
candidates who would be a great asset to an existing operation while they
learn.”

In addition to providing new farmers with comprehensive training, the
Apprenticeship Program also emphasizes new models of investment and farm
transfer for established dairy farmers. Transfer models are especially
important with so many producers in the state at later stages of their
careers.

However, individuals do not need to be on the verge of retirement to
participate. Any grazier who wants to help shape the future of dairy by
transferring his or her knowledge and who meets the criteria of five years
of grazing experience can apply to become a Master Dairy Grazier. Someone
who is interested but not ready to take on the full responsibility may be
able to share an apprentice with a qualified neighbor. “We are striving to
create a program structure that allows multiple entry points and benefits
dairy farmers at all stages of their careers,” says Tomandl. The
Apprenticeship program offers its Master Dairy Graziers professional
development support, including financial planning through The Farm Center
at Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

GrassWorks has partnered with The Farm Center as well as the Wisconsin
School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers at UW-Madison to expand and
strengthen the program and has received a three-year grant from
USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)’s Beginning Farmer
and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). On September 30th USDA Deputy
Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced program recipients, stating that $18
million has been designated to support programs that will help transition
our nation’s agriculture to the next generation of farmers. The GrassWorks
Apprenticeship Program was among 36 projects that were awarded funding
support.

To find out more about the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship and learn how you
can prepare new farmers for a promising future in dairy grazing while
strengthening your own operation as Master Dairy Grazier, contact Joseph
Tomandl, III: 715-560-0389 or cjtom@hughes.net. Applications for both Dairy
Grazing Apprentices and Master Dairy Graziers can be found at
www.grassworks.org

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