This training series provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, design, and certify Managed Grazing (CPS 528). Additional training may be needed.
TTCP
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- 1. Knowledge of ecological processes and implications for specific rangeland ecological sites, forage suitability groups, and/or forest ecological sites in the area of service
Ecological Site Descriptions: An Interdisciplinary and Interagency Effort - Webinar 1
This is the first session of an eight-session webinar series. Session one provides a review of the history and use, from range site descriptions to ecological sites. Relationship of ecological sites to soils maps and how information on ecological site descriptions can be accessed will be discussed.
Ecological Site Descriptions: An Interdisciplinary and Interagency Effort - Webinar 2
This is the second session of an eight-session webinar series. Session 2 provides a thorough review of the basic concepts of ecological sites, ecological resilience concepts in state-and-transition modeling, and how these concepts facilitate the understanding of disturbance and management. The relationship of ecological sites to soils maps and how information on ecological site descriptions can be accessed will be discussed.
(Time: will vary) This website provides research and other resources related to forage selection, planting, pest management, harvest and storage.
- 2. Skill in development of grazing management plans that are practical, address resource concerns, and meet manager's objectives groups, and/or forest ecological sites in the area of service
Tech Talk: Introduction to Managed Grazing Systems
During this session Dean Thomas, Fillmore SWCD, discusses the basic grazing management principles, benefits of prescribed grazing, and considerations for planning a grazing system.
Grazing Systems Planning Guide
(Time: will vary) This guide discusses the components of a grazing system by taking you through the grazing management planning process. Information on grazing resource inventory, plan development, pasture management, and system monitoring is provided.
Tech Talk - Calculating Stocking Rates
Lance Smith, NRCS Rangeland Specialist, shows how to calculate stocking rates by considering forage production, herd needs, and the management of the grazing system.
Tech Talk - Scheduling Prescribed Grazing Practices
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, reviews the recommended order of installing facilitating practices for prescribed grazing. He reviews example grazing plans and discusses the order practices will be installed based on information gathered from the producer during the conservation planning process, as well as logistical considerations of how practices may impact the installation of other practices.
Tech Talk - Prescribed Grazing (CPS528) and CSP 528 Enhancements
What livestock management is needed to meet the Prescribed Grazing Standard? What are the requirements to meet the CSP Prescribed Grazing Enhancements? Lance Smith, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist, reviews the 528 Practice Standard requirements and the CSP participant's technical requirements to meet the 528 Enhancement Criteria.
Prescribed grazing is the foundational NRCS conservation practice that is applied on all lands that are grazed in conjunction with a wide array of facilitating and accelerating conservation practices that support it. The Prescribed Grazing course is an asynchronous, virtual instructor-led course that introduces employees and partners to the management of vegetation with grazing and/or browsing animals with the intent to achieve specific resource objectives.
- 3. Ability to monitor landscapes and communicate needed adjustments
Tech Talk Replay: Pasture Condition Scoresheet
Tech Talk Replay from June 1, 2020. Lance Smith (NRCS) and Jeff Duchene (NRCS) review the purpose and applicability of pasture scoring in pasture management, conservation planning, and CART assessments.
Tech Talk Replay: Estimating Forage Production
Tech Talk Replay from August 24 at 9:00 am. During this presentation Lance Smith, NRCS Rangeland Specialists, walks through the steps of making a visual estimate of forage production and then clipping and weighing a representative sample to verify the visual estimation. The goal is to repeat this process to the extent that a person can make an accurate visual estimate of forage production without taking the time to clip and weigh a sample from every site.
Tech Talk: Drought Planning for Pasture and Forage Management
During this session Eric Mousel, UMN Extension, will focus on the impact of the 2021 drought on pasture and forage production in 2022. Eric will also discuss management actions producers should consider to aid in the recovery of drought affected pastures, as well as options to consider if the drought persists into the 2022 grazing season.
(Time: 55:38) In this session, U of M Extension Educator Troy Salzer covers the importance of soil testing, fertilizing, liming, and seeding, along with an intro to the different styles of pasture management systems.
- 4. Skill to complete grazing resource inventory with a producer on their farm or ranch, which includes a map locating existing fences, watering system, forages, sensitive features, and livestock handling facilities
No content identified
- 5. ESJAA/ENJAA for planning for any facilitating practices that are included within the prescribed grazing system
Tech Talk: Well System Investigation
Patrick Schultz, TTCP Engineer, walks through the steps for investigating a residential well system for the purposes of gathering data for livestock watering design. How to conduct a flow meter test as well as other tests for determining flow rate and pressure information are discussed as well as common well system components.
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Design
Lea Holter, NRCS Assistant State Conservation Engineer, will provide an introduction to the new pipeline design worksheet. We will demonstrate how to use information collected earlier in the planning process to design a livestock watering system. It is recommended to watch the replay of "Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning" first as this video builds off of that one.
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, covers the planning considerations for livestock watering systems. Topics covered include identifying water sources and considerations for ensuring water sources have the potential to supply adequate water for the planned herd size, overview of pipe installation methods, overview of water tank materials, sizing water tanks, and considerations for placement of water tanks within the grazing system. Examples of watering system layouts are provided.
Tech Talk: Brush Management (CPS314) In Pastures
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, reviews the Brush Management (PS314) practice standard, implementation requirements, and statement of work. Jeff also discusses the planning and application of Brush Management in pastures.
Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 1
Tech Talk Replay from July 13, 2020. Dean Thomas, Lance Smith, Aaron Peter, Amanda Deans, and Pat Schultz reviewed the use, planning, and design of commonly used practices to facilitate prescribed grazing systems. These webinars are pre-requisites for the field training scheduled for the last week of July. Practices covered in this webinar include: Fence (PS382), Heavy Use Area Protection (PS561), Trails and Walkways (PS575), and Stream Crossing (PS578).
Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 2
Tech Talk Replay from July 20, 2020. Jeff Duchene, Nichole Sternquist, Craig Peterson, and Amanda Deans review the use, planning, and design of commonly used practices to facilitate prescribed grazing systems. Practices covered in this webinar include: Water Well (PS642), Pumping Plant (PS533), Pipeline (PS516), and Watering Facility (PS614).
Tech Talk Replay: Livestock Shelter Structure
Tech Talk Replay from May 11, 2020. Lance Smith, Jeff Duchene, and Mike Krcmarik review the new Livestock Shelter Structure (PS576) information. During this webinar they provide an overview of the practice standard, Implementation Requirements worksheet, statement of work, planning considerations, and design of livestock shelter structures. The practice covers permanent and portable windbreaks and shade structures.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Practice Standard
This Tech Talk covers an overview of Conservation Practice Standard 512: Pasture and Hayland Planting, the difference between pasture and hayland plantings. A discussion of seedbed preparation, seeding methods, and companion crops as they relate to pasture and hayland plantings will be discussed. There will be information on seed tags and how to calculate Pure Live Seed (PLS). And there will be an overview of the 512 Seed Plan Development Tool and a demonstration of a seed plan.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Species Selection
In this Tech Talk, Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Specialist, discusses characteristics of common species that are planted for pasture in Minnesota, including advantages and disadvantages of the common forage species, introduced cool season grasses, native warm season grasses, and legume options.
Tech Talk: Forage Harvest Management (CPS 511)
In this Tech Talk, Jeff Duchene (NRCS Grazing Specialist, NW Area) and Morgan Kauth (NRCS Grazing Specialist, SW Area) discuss an overview of Conservation Practice Standard 511 Forage Harvest Management, when and where CPS 511 is applicable, types of forages, harvesting equipment, storing harvested forages, and additional livestock feedstuffs (e.g. beet tailings, potato processing biproducts, soybean meal/hulls, grain screenings, crop residues.)
Tech Talk: Livestock Pipeline Design
Join Amanda Deans, TTCP Engineer, as she runs through a real-life pipeline design using the MN NRCS Livestock Pipeline spreadsheet.
Solar-powered Water Systems for Grazing Operations
(Time: 1:14) Participants in this webinar will learn important considerations in planning for a solar-powered water delivery system for grazing operations, especially in contrast to permanent electrically-powered systems.
Also: See specific practices for further training resources
- Silvopasture
Silvopasture in Wisconsin: Goals, Challenges and Other Fodder for Thought
Recorded webinar from the Agroforestry in Action webinar series. Diane Mayerfeld presents information on Silvopasture -- progress, challenges and what they have learned from trials and research in Wisconsin.
The Sustainable Farming Association has compiled a variety of silvopasture resources including handbooks, fact sheets, case studies and webinars. Webinars topics include, Silvopasture in Minnesota, Digging Deeper into Silvopasture, and Economics of Silvopasture.
Introduction to Agroforestry Systems
Participants will learn about the five recognized agroforestry practices: Windbreaks, Alley cropping, Silvopasture, Forest Farming and Riparian. (Time: 00:58)
- Other
Farmer panel discussion on bale grazing
Winter Soil Health Virtual Series
The Minnesota Soil Health Coalition produced a series of webinars in January and February of 2021. These five webinars are: Webinar 1: Soil Health Virtual Series: Matt Tiffany + Brian Pfarr Webinar 2: Cover Crop Mixes with Tomm Cotter and TJ Kartes Webinar 3: Livestock Integration with Tom Cotter and Kent Solberg; Webinar 4: Small Grains with Andy Linder and Jochum Wiersma; Interseeding Covers with Ed McNamara, TJ Kartes, Scott Haase, Matt Alford and Jerry Ackerman
Keep Cattle in Minnesota Project
(Time: 1:27:49) This video is produced by the Sustainable Farming Association and the Keep Cattle in Minnesota Program. The mission of this program is to sustain the beef and cattle industries while protecting and enhancing our vast environmental resources.
Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows
This document provides guidance on how to determine a body condition score (BCS) for beef cows. Body condition scores are excellent indicators of the nutritional status in beef cows. There is a strong link between the body condition of a cow and her reproductive performance- an important factor in the economics of a cow-calf operation.
University of Minnesota Extension: Beef Extension
This site provides access to publications and other resources related to beef production in Minnesota including cow/calf management, feedlot management, pasture and forage management, beef animal health, nutrient management, dairy beef production, and organic and natural beef production. There is also a link on this page to “Home Study Courses” which are courses offered annually related to beef production.
Introduction to Agriculture – the Minnesota Dairy Industry
(Time: 14:19) This video provides basic information on the dairy industry in Minnesota including breeds, terminology, production systems, industry trends, economics and issues.
Introduction to Animal Agriculture - The Minnesota Beef Industry
(Time:16:57) This video provides basic information on the beef industry in Minnesota including terminology, production systems, economics and issues.
Minnesota Guidance: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Inventory and Evaluation (I&E) Planning Phase
Job Class I
- 1. Read and understand the Conservation Practice Standard (528), Implementation Requirements (IR), and Statement of Work (SOW)
- 2. Knowledge of CRP grazing regulations and opportunities (emergency, non-emergency, routine, incidental)
No content identified
Job Class II-IV
- 1. Read and understand Minnesota Agronomy Technical Note #11: Grazing Systems Planning Guide
- 2. Ability to collect resource inventory data to document existing resource conditions/concerns, identify opportunities to improve resource conditions, and identify location/condition of existing infrastructure
Tech Talk Replay: Pasture Condition Scoresheet
Tech Talk Replay from June 1, 2020. Lance Smith (NRCS) and Jeff Duchene (NRCS) review the purpose and applicability of pasture scoring in pasture management, conservation planning, and CART assessments.
Tech Talk Replay: Estimating Forage Production
Tech Talk Replay from August 24 at 9:00 am. During this presentation Lance Smith, NRCS Rangeland Specialists, walks through the steps of making a visual estimate of forage production and then clipping and weighing a representative sample to verify the visual estimation. The goal is to repeat this process to the extent that a person can make an accurate visual estimate of forage production without taking the time to clip and weigh a sample from every site.
- 3. Knowledge, skills, and ability to complete the Pasture Condition Score assessment
Tech Talk Replay: Pasture Condition Scoresheet
Tech Talk Replay from June 1, 2020. Lance Smith (NRCS) and Jeff Duchene (NRCS) review the purpose and applicability of pasture scoring in pasture management, conservation planning, and CART assessments.
- 4. Use tools such as Web Soil Survey, plant inventories, and producer records to estimate pasture production
Basic Soils Training Module 4: Soils in Conservation Planning
This module provides examples of how to use soils data in the conservation planning process. The presentation starts with Josh Odekirk, SE Area NRCS Wisconsin Area Resource Conservationist, explaining how soils influence conservation planning decisions. Josh provides examples of soil interpretations that are commonly used in the planning process. In the second half of the presentation, Adam Abel, WI NRCS State Grazing Specialist, explains the importance of considering soils when planning a grazing system. This training was recorded as part of the Wisconsin Basic Soils and Web Soil Survey to Interpret Land Capabilities and Limitations training hosted on September 1, 2021.
- 5. Ability to estimate forage availability in the field through clipping and weighing and by using a grazing stick
Tech Talk Replay: Estimating Forage Production
Tech Talk Replay from August 24 at 9:00 am. During this presentation Lance Smith, NRCS Rangeland Specialists, walks through the steps of making a visual estimate of forage production and then clipping and weighing a representative sample to verify the visual estimation. The goal is to repeat this process to the extent that a person can make an accurate visual estimate of forage production without taking the time to clip and weigh a sample from every site.
- 6. Ability to determine percent legume (DM weight) in the stand
Tech Talk Replay: Estimating Forage Production
Tech Talk Replay from August 24 at 9:00 am. During this presentation Lance Smith, NRCS Rangeland Specialists, walks through the steps of making a visual estimate of forage production and then clipping and weighing a representative sample to verify the visual estimation. The goal is to repeat this process to the extent that a person can make an accurate visual estimate of forage production without taking the time to clip and weigh a sample from every site.
- 7. Knowledge to determine climatic stresses such as drought and frost
Tech Talk: Drought Planning for Pasture and Forage Management
During this session Eric Mousel, UMN Extension, will focus on the impact of the 2021 drought on pasture and forage production in 2022. Eric will also discuss management actions producers should consider to aid in the recovery of drought affected pastures, as well as options to consider if the drought persists into the 2022 grazing season.
- 8. Identify environmentally sensitive areas and create strategies to successfully manage them to reduce or eliminate damage
No content identified
- 9. Ability to identity livestock trails, erosion: sheet and rill, streambank, and gully
Course Description: This course will provide an overview of soil erosion by water and wind. Objectives:
Identify types of soil erosion and soil erosion processes
Describe the resource concerns related to soil erosion
Become familiar with the planning criteria used to assess each type of soil erosion
- 10. Skills in seed, seedling and plant identification of common introduced forage plants, such as smooth brome, meadow brome, timothy, orchardgrass, tall fescue, reed canary grass, bluegrass, redtop, quackgrass, alfalfa, red clover, white clover, birdsfoot trefoil, etc
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Species Selection
During this session Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Specialist, covers:
Characteristics of common species that are planted for pasture in Minnesota
Advantages and disadvantages of the common forage species
Introduced cool season grasses, native warm season grasses, and legume options
- 11. Knowledge of Minnesota Noxious Weed Law
- 12. Ability to identify common weed species associated with pasture land including: dandelion, curly dock, thistle species, foxtail, leafy spurge, spotted knapweed, common tansy, oxeye daisy, etc
- 13. Knowledge to determine the number and weight of each class of livestock
No content identified
- 14. Knowledge of operation and maintenance for vegetative establishment
No content identified
- 15. Knowledge of operation and maintenance of prescribed grazing
No content identified
- 16. Ability to plan the following conservation practices as needed to help facilitate implementation of prescribed grazing: Access Control (472), Annual Forages for Grazing Systems (810), Brush Management (314), Cover Crops (340), Fence (382), Heavy Use Area Protection (561), Herbaceous Weed Treatment (315), Livestock Pipeline (516), Pasture and Hayland Planting (512), Pumping Plant (533), Silvopasture (381), Stream Crossing (578), Trails and Walkways (575), Water Well (642), Watering Facility (614) as well as any other practice that may be needed.
Tech Talk: Annual Forages for Grazing Systems (CPS 810)
This Tech Talk provides an overview of the interim CPS 810 Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Conservation Practice Standard, Implementation Requirements, and common examples of how this practice may be used. This session also includes an overview of the technical information that has been developed for this practice, which includes Technical Note 34: Annual Forages for Grazing Systems and the Minnesota Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Design Workbook. Finally, as an interim practice, reporting on the application of this practice is required, so the Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Practice Evaluation Worksheet is discussed.
Tech Talk: Well System Investigation
Patrick Schultz, TTCP Engineer, walks through the steps for investigating a residential well system for the purposes of gathering data for livestock watering design. How to conduct a flow meter test as well as other tests for determining flow rate and pressure information are discussed as well as common well system components.
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Design
Lea Holter, NRCS Assistant State Conservation Engineer, will provide an introduction to the new pipeline design worksheet. We will demonstrate how to use information collected earlier in the planning process to design a livestock watering system. It is recommended to watch the replay of "Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning" first as this video builds off of that one.
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, covers the planning considerations for livestock watering systems. Topics covered include identifying water sources and considerations for ensuring water sources have the potential to supply adequate water for the planned herd size, overview of pipe installation methods, overview of water tank materials, sizing water tanks, and considerations for placement of water tanks within the grazing system. Examples of watering system layouts are provided.
Tech Talk: Brush Management (CPS314) In Pastures
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, reviews the Brush Management (PS314) practice standard, implementation requirements, and statement of work. Jeff also discusses the planning and application of Brush Management in pastures.
Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 1
Tech Talk Replay from July 13, 2020. Dean Thomas, Lance Smith, Aaron Peter, Amanda Deans, and Pat Schultz reviewed the use, planning, and design of commonly used practices to facilitate prescribed grazing systems. These webinars are pre-requisites for the field training scheduled for the last week of July. Practices covered in this webinar include: Fence (PS382), Heavy Use Area Protection (PS561), Trails and Walkways (PS575), and Stream Crossing (PS578).
Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 2
Tech Talk Replay from July 20, 2020. Jeff Duchene, Nichole Sternquist, Craig Peterson, and Amanda Deans review the use, planning, and design of commonly used practices to facilitate prescribed grazing systems. Practices covered in this webinar include: Water Well (PS642), Pumping Plant (PS533), Pipeline (PS516), and Watering Facility (PS614).
Tech Talk Replay: Livestock Shelter Structure
Tech Talk Replay from May 11, 2020. Lance Smith, Jeff Duchene, and Mike Krcmarik review the new Livestock Shelter Structure (PS576) information. During this webinar they provide an overview of the practice standard, Implementation Requirements worksheet, statement of work, planning considerations, and design of livestock shelter structures. The practice covers permanent and portable windbreaks and shade structures.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Practice Standard
This Tech Talk covers an overview of Conservation Practice Standard 512: Pasture and Hayland Planting, the difference between pasture and hayland plantings. A discussion of seedbed preparation, seeding methods, and companion crops as they relate to pasture and hayland plantings will be discussed. There will be information on seed tags and how to calculate Pure Live Seed (PLS). And there will be an overview of the 512 Seed Plan Development Tool and a demonstration of a seed plan.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Species Selection
In this Tech Talk, Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Specialist, discusses characteristics of common species that are planted for pasture in Minnesota, including advantages and disadvantages of the common forage species, introduced cool season grasses, native warm season grasses, and legume options.
Tech Talk: Forage Harvest Management (CPS 511)
In this Tech Talk, Jeff Duchene (NRCS Grazing Specialist, NW Area) and Morgan Kauth (NRCS Grazing Specialist, SW Area) discuss an overview of Conservation Practice Standard 511 Forage Harvest Management, when and where CPS 511 is applicable, types of forages, harvesting equipment, storing harvested forages, and additional livestock feedstuffs (ie. beet tailings, potato processing biproducts, soybean meal/hulls, grain screenings, and crop residues.)
Tech Talk: Livestock Pipeline Design
Join Amanda Deans, TTCP Engineer, as she runs through a real-life pipeline design using the MN NRCS Livestock Pipeline spreadsheet.
Solar-powered Water Systems for Grazing Operations
(Time: 1:14) Participants in this webinar will learn important considerations in planning for a solar-powered water delivery system for grazing operations, especially in contrast to permanent electrically powered systems.
Also: See specific practices for further training resources
- 17. Ability to obtain the necessary training to develop prescribed grazing plans
No content identified
Job Class V
- 1. Knowledge of grazing management strategies to control noxious and invasive species
No content identified
- 2. Knowledge of grazing and rangeland management strategies to properly manage native and restored prairie vegetation found in grazing lands
No content identified
- 3. Skills in seed, seedling and plant identification of common native grasses and forbs, such as big bluestem, little bluestem, Indiangrass, sideoats grama, switchgrass, Canada wildrye, western wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, purple prairie clover, white prairie clover, Canada milkvetch, maximilian sunflower, etc.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Species Selection
During this session Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Specialist, covers:
Characteristics of common species that are planted for pasture in Minnesota
Advantages and disadvantages of the common forage species
Introduced cool season grasses, native warm season grasses, and legume options
- 4. Knowledge of annual forage species, including forage characteristics, growth characteristics, forage quality, proper planting timing, and proper establishment
No content identified
- 5. Knowledge of virtual fence technology and how it works. Knowledge of the proper use, installation, and maintenance of virtual fence technology. Knowledge of livestock types and classes that are compatible with virtual fence. Ability to discuss pros and cons of virtual fencing and compare various fence types (including costs) with producers to assist them with deciding what type of fence best fits their operation.
During this Tech Talk Meghan Filbert of No Fence discusses "Virtual Fencing 101," an educational session aimed at conservation partnership staff and technical service providers. The training explains the technical aspects of virtual fencing, its effectiveness, opportunities, and challenges, as well as its costs and vendors in the U.S. Participants will learn how virtual fencing can manage livestock using GPS collars and mobile devices to create boundaries, minimizing the need for physical interior fences. This technology reduces labor and enhances livestock management flexibility, making it easier to implement grazing plans and manage difficult terrain.
A PowerPoint presentation developed by NRCS with these objectives:
Learn the basic components of a virtual fence (VF) system
Explore Specifications from various company’s systems
Discuss animal training requirements
Gain a better understanding of what producers should consider when evaluating VF as a management alternative
Review new practice scenarios for FY 25
A power point presentation developed by Green Lands, Blue Waters on the basics of virtual fencing. You will learn about:
Virtual fence technical basics (how it works)
Virtual fence effectiveness
Opportunities and challenges
Vendors in the US
Costs
Considerations for grazing plans
NRCS financial support
Rangeland Trust webinar about grazing technology on public and private rangelands in California. The discussion included an explanation of the technology available, current research & ongoing studies, rancher experience with using collars and virtual fencing, and possible funding from NRCS in the future.
Virtual Fencing - Setup for Success
A 3 part video series: Explore the transformative potential of virtual fence technology in livestock management. Although it was first conceptualized in the 1980’s, virtual fencing has only recently become practical for working ranches, and its rapid evolution has significant implications for a broad range of land management and livestock production goals and values. This video series showcases early adopters from across the U.S., sharing their experiences and insights to help you effectively integrate virtual fencing into your operations.
Exploring the Boundaries of Virtual Fence Webinar 2: Virtual Fence Applications
Join us to learn about three real-world examples of how virtual fence (VF) has been used for rangeland and livestock management. We hope this webinar will empower you to effectively evaluate VF for sustainable rangeland management. NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, this webinar was not recorded but the presentations are available for review.
Exploring the Boundaries of Virtual Fence Webinar 1: Virtual Fence 101 & Vendor Comparison
Join us to learn about the basics of virtual fence (VF) technology, including an overview of the components, potential applications, and compare the current and emerging VF vendors. We hope this webinar will empower you to effectively evaluate VF for sustainable rangeland management. This one hour webinar is the first of a three part series on Virtual Fence. Topics:
Virtual Fence 101
Comparison of Virtual Fence Manufacturers
Basic Comparison
Design Phase
Job Class I
- 1. Ability to successfully complete the CRP Emergency Haying and Grazing IR, CRP Non-Emergency Grazing IR, and the Non-Emergency Incidental Grazing IR
No content identified
Job Class II
- 1. Ability to develop prescribed grazing plans and complete the Prescribed Grazing Plan template available in section IV of the FOTG
No content identified
- 2. Knowledge, Skill, and Ability to complete the Forage Balance Sheet available in section IV of the FOTG
- 3. Skill and Ability to successfully subdivide pastures based on expected pasture productivity, livestock need, soil types, slope, aspect, landscape obstacles (such as ravines, wetlands, and heavily wooded areas), and the types of vegetation present
No content identified
- 4. Develop a livestock watering system plan as needed that meets the water consumption needs of the kind, class and weight of livestock while improving grazing efficiency and nutrient distribution
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, covers the planning considerations for livestock watering systems. Topics covered include identifying water sources and considerations for ensuring water sources have the potential to supply adequate water for the planned herd size, overview of pipe installation methods, overview of water tank materials, sizing water tanks, and considerations for placement of water tanks within the grazing system. Examples of watering system layouts are provided.
- 5. Ability to develop contingency plans for potential management issues that may arise due to natural events, such as drought, flooding, insects, etc
No content identified
- 6. Ability to develop monitoring plans that assess whether the grazing management plan is meeting the goals and objectives of the plan
No content identified
- 7. Ability to design the following ECS conservation practices as needed to help facilitate implementation of prescribed grazing: Access Control (472), Annual Forages for Grazing Systems (810), Brush Management (314), Cover Crops (340), Fence (382), Herbaceous Weed Treatment (315), Pasture and Hayland Planting (512), Silvopasture (381), as well other practice that may be needed.
Tech Talk: Annual Forages for Grazing Systems (CPS 810)
This Tech Talk provides an overview of the interim CPS 810 Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Conservation Practice Standard, Implementation Requirements, and common examples of how this practice may be used. This session also includes an overview of the technical information that has been developed for this practice, which includes Technical Note 34: Annual Forages for Grazing Systems and the Minnesota Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Design Workbook. Finally, as an interim practice, reporting on the application of this practice is required, so the Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Practice Evaluation Worksheet is discussed.
Tech Talk: Well System Investigation
Patrick Schultz, TTCP Engineer, walks through the steps for investigating a residential well system for the purposes of gathering data for livestock watering design. How to conduct a flow meter test as well as other tests for determining flow rate and pressure information are discussed as well as common well system components.
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Design
Lea Holter, NRCS Assistant State Conservation Engineer, will provide an introduction to the new pipeline design worksheet. We will demonstrate how to use information collected earlier in the planning process to design a livestock watering system. It is recommended to watch the replay of "Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning" first as this video builds off of that one.
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, covers the planning considerations for livestock watering systems. Topics covered include identifying water sources and considerations for ensuring water sources have the potential to supply adequate water for the planned herd size, overview of pipe installation methods, overview of water tank materials, sizing water tanks, and considerations for placement of water tanks within the grazing system. Examples of watering system layouts are provided.
Tech Talk: Brush Management (CPS314) In Pastures
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, reviews the Brush Management (PS314) practice standard, implementation requirements, and statement of work. Jeff also discusses the planning and application of Brush Management in pastures.
Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 1
Tech Talk Replay from July 13, 2020. Dean Thomas, Lance Smith, Aaron Peter, Amanda Deans, and Pat Schultz reviewed the use, planning, and design of commonly used practices to facilitate prescribed grazing systems. These webinars are pre-requisites for the field training scheduled for the last week of July. Practices covered in this webinar include: Fence (PS382), Heavy Use Area Protection (PS561), Trails and Walkways (PS575), and Stream Crossing (PS578).
Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 2
Tech Talk Replay from July 20, 2020. Jeff Duchene, Nichole Sternquist, Craig Peterson, and Amanda Deans review the use, planning, and design of commonly used practices to facilitate prescribed grazing systems. Practices covered in this webinar include: Water Well (PS642), Pumping Plant (PS533), Pipeline (PS516), and Watering Facility (PS614).
Tech Talk Replay: Livestock Shelter Structure
Tech Talk Replay from May 11, 2020. Lance Smith, Jeff Duchene, and Mike Krcmarik review the new Livestock Shelter Structure (PS576) information. During this webinar they provide an overview of the practice standard, Implementation Requirements worksheet, statement of work, planning considerations, and design of livestock shelter structures. The practice covers permanent and portable windbreaks and shade structures.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Practice Standard
This Tech Talk covers an overview of Conservation Practice Standard 512: Pasture and Hayland Planting, the difference between pasture and hayland plantings. A discussion of seedbed preparation, seeding methods, and companion crops as they relate to pasture and hayland plantings will be discussed. There will be information on seed tags and how to calculate Pure Live Seed (PLS). And there will be an overview of the 512 Seed Plan Development Tool and a demonstration of a seed plan.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Species Selection
In this Tech Talk, Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Specialist, discusses characteristics of common species that are planted for pasture in Minnesota, including advantages and disadvantages of the common forage species, introduced cool season grasses, native warm season grasses, and legume options.
Tech Talk: Forage Harvest Management (CPS 511)
In this Tech Talk, Jeff Duchene (NRCS Grazing Specialist, NW Area) and Morgan Kauth (NRCS Grazing Specialist, SW Area) discuss an overview of Conservation Practice Standard 511 Forage Harvest Management, when and where CPS 511 is applicable, types of forages, harvesting equipment, storing harvested forages, and additional livestock feedstuffs (i.e. beet tailings, potato processing biproducts, soybean meal/hulls, grain screenings, and crop residues.)
Tech Talk: Livestock Pipeline Design
Join Amanda Deans, TTCP Engineer, as she runs through a real-life pipeline design using the MN NRCS Livestock Pipeline spreadsheet.
Solar-powered Water Systems for Grazing Operations
(Time: 1:14) Participants in this webinar will learn important considerations in planning for a solar-powered water delivery system for grazing operations, especially in contrast to permanent electrically powered systems.
Also: See specific practices for further training resources
- 8. Ability to successfully complete the CRP Emergency Haying and Grazing IR, CRP Non-Emergency Grazing IR, and the Non-Emergency Incidental Grazing IR
No content identified
- 9. Ability to develop prescribed grazing plans for multiple herds
No content identified
Job Class III-IV
- 1. Ability to develop plans for different species and livestock types (i.e. cow/calf, beef stocker/yearling, sheep-ewe flock, sheep-feeder lambs/replacement ewes, goats, milking dairy)
No content identified
- 2. Has developed multiple prescribed grazing plans that meet Job Classes I and II
No content identified
Job Class V
- 1. Ability to develop grazing plans for the purpose of controlling noxious and invasive species
No content identified
- 2. Ability to develop grazing plans for native vegetation (restored or native prairie)
No content identified
- 3. Ability to develop grazing plans that incorporate annual forages
No content identified
- 4. Ability to plan grazing management plans utilizing virtual fence technology. Grazing management plans should address basic grazing management principles: providing rest, managing residual/utilization, managing timing, and managing the length of the grazing periods
No content identified
- 5. Ability to plan other facilitating practices that may be needed to properly support grazing management with virtual fencing, such as other fence types and watering systems
Tech Talk: Annual Forages for Grazing Systems (CPS 810)
This Tech Talk provides an overview of the interim CPS 810 Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Conservation Practice Standard, Implementation Requirements, and common examples of how this practice may be used. This session also includes an overview of the technical information that has been developed for this practice, which includes Technical Note 34: Annual Forages for Grazing Systems and the Minnesota Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Design Workbook. Finally, as an interim practice, reporting on the application of this practice is required, so the Annual Forages for Grazing Systems Practice Evaluation Worksheet is discussed.
Tech Talk: Well System Investigation
Patrick Schultz, TTCP Engineer, walks through the steps for investigating a residential well system for the purposes of gathering data for livestock watering design. How to conduct a flow meter test as well as other tests for determining flow rate and pressure information are discussed as well as common well system components.
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Design
Lea Holter, NRCS Assistant State Conservation Engineer, will provide an introduction to the new pipeline design worksheet. We will demonstrate how to use information collected earlier in the planning process to design a livestock watering system. It is recommended to watch the replay of "Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning" first as this video builds off of that one.
Tech Talk: Livestock Watering System Planning
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, covers the planning considerations for livestock watering systems. Topics covered include identifying water sources and considerations for ensuring water sources have the potential to supply adequate water for the planned herd size, overview of pipe installation methods, overview of water tank materials, sizing water tanks, and considerations for placement of water tanks within the grazing system. Examples of watering system layouts are provided.
Tech Talk: Brush Management (CPS314) In Pastures
Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Lands Specialist, reviews the Brush Management (PS314) practice standard, implementation requirements, and statement of work. Jeff also discusses the planning and application of Brush Management in pastures.
Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 1
Tech Talk Replay from July 13, 2020. Dean Thomas, Lance Smith, Aaron Peter, Amanda Deans, and Pat Schultz reviewed the use, planning, and design of commonly used practices to facilitate prescribed grazing systems. These webinars are pre-requisites for the field training scheduled for the last week of July. Practices covered in this webinar include: Fence (PS382), Heavy Use Area Protection (PS561), Trails and Walkways (PS575), and Stream Crossing (PS578).
Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 2
Tech Talk Replay from July 20, 2020. Jeff Duchene, Nichole Sternquist, Craig Peterson, and Amanda Deans review the use, planning, and design of commonly used practices to facilitate prescribed grazing systems. Practices covered in this webinar include: Water Well (PS642), Pumping Plant (PS533), Pipeline (PS516), and Watering Facility (PS614).
Tech Talk Replay: Livestock Shelter Structure
Tech Talk Replay from May 11, 2020. Lance Smith, Jeff Duchene, and Mike Krcmarik review the new Livestock Shelter Structure (PS576) information. During this webinar they provide an overview of the practice standard, Implementation Requirements worksheet, statement of work, planning considerations, and design of livestock shelter structures. The practice covers permanent and portable windbreaks and shade structures.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Practice Standard
This Tech Talk covers an overview of Conservation Practice Standard 512: Pasture and Hayland Planting, the difference between pasture and hayland plantings. A discussion of seedbed preparation, seeding methods, and companion crops as they relate to pasture and hayland plantings will be discussed. There will be information on seed tags and how to calculate Pure Live Seed (PLS). And there will be an overview of the 512 Seed Plan Development Tool and a demonstration of a seed plan.
Tech Talk: Pasture and Hay Planting - Species Selection
In this Tech Talk, Jeff Duchene, NRCS Grazing Specialist, discusses characteristics of common species that are planted for pasture in Minnesota, including advantages and disadvantages of the common forage species, introduced cool season grasses, native warm season grasses, and legume options.
Tech Talk: Forage Harvest Management (CPS 511)
In this Tech Talk, Jeff Duchene (NRCS Grazing Specialist, NW Area) and Morgan Kauth (NRCS Grazing Specialist, SW Area) discuss an overview of Conservation Practice Standard 511 Forage Harvest Management, when and where CPS 511 is applicable, types of forages, harvesting equipment, storing harvested forages, and additional livestock feedstuffs (i.e. beet tailings, potato processing biproducts, soybean meal/hulls, grain screenings, and crop residues.
Tech Talk: Livestock Pipeline Design
Join Amanda Deans, TTCP Engineer, as she runs through a real-life pipeline design using the MN NRCS Livestock Pipeline spreadsheet.
Solar-powered Water Systems for Grazing Operations
(Time: 1:14) Participants in this webinar will learn important considerations in planning for a solar-powered water delivery system for grazing operations, especially in contrast to permanent electrically powered systems.
- 6. Ability to assist the producer with planning the correct virtual fence system for their operation
During this Tech Talk Meghan Filbert of No Fence discusses "Virtual Fencing 101," an educational session aimed at conservation partnership staff and technical service providers. The training explains the technical aspects of virtual fencing, its effectiveness, opportunities, and challenges, as well as its costs and vendors in the U.S. Participants will learn how virtual fencing can manage livestock using GPS collars and mobile devices to create boundaries, minimizing the need for physical interior fences. This technology reduces labor and enhances livestock management flexibility, making it easier to implement grazing plans and manage difficult terrain.
A PowerPoint presentation developed by NRCS with these objectives:
Learn the basic components of a virtual fence (VF) system
Explore Specifications from various company’s systems
Discuss animal training requirements
Gain a better understanding of what producers should consider when evaluating VF as a management alternative
Review new practice scenarios for FY 25
A power point presentation developed by Green Lands, Blue Waters on the basics of virtual fencing. You will learn about:
Virtual fence technical basics (how it works)
Virtual fence effectiveness
Opportunities and challenges
Vendors in the US
Costs
Considerations for grazing plans
NRCS financial support
Rangeland Trust webinar about grazing technology on public and private rangelands in California. The discussion included an explanation of the technology available, current research & ongoing studies, rancher experience with using collars and virtual fencing, and possible funding from NRCS in the future.
Virtual Fencing - Setup for Success
A 3 part video series: Explore the transformative potential of virtual fence technology in livestock management. Although it was first conceptualized in the 1980’s, virtual fencing has only recently become practical for working ranches, and its rapid evolution has significant implications for a broad range of land management and livestock production goals and values. This video series showcases early adopters from across the U.S., sharing their experiences and insights to help you effectively integrate virtual fencing into your operations.
Exploring the Boundaries of Virtual Fence Webinar 2: Virtual Fence Applications
Join us to learn about three real-world examples of how virtual fence (VF) has been used for rangeland and livestock management. We hope this webinar will empower you to effectively evaluate VF for sustainable rangeland management. NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, this webinar was not recorded but the presentations are available for review.
Exploring the Boundaries of Virtual Fence Webinar 1: Virtual Fence 101 & Vendor Comparison
Join us to learn about the basics of virtual fence (VF) technology, including an overview of the components, potential applications, and compare the current and emerging VF vendors. We hope this webinar will empower you to effectively evaluate VF for sustainable rangeland management. This one hour webinar is the first of a three part series on Virtual Fence. Topics:
Virtual Fence 101
Comparison of Virtual Fence Manufacturers
Basic Comparison
Installation and Certification Phase
- 1. Ability to work with producer to gain necessary documents and gather monitoring information to support grazing management decisions (such as grazing records) and conduct pasture management check-in’s throughout the growing season
No content identified
- 2. Ability to estimate utilization rate and utilization uniformity across the pasture
No content identified
- 3. Ability to measure stubble heights in the pasture and determine if the minimum residual grazing heights are being maintained as per the grazing plan
No content identified
- 4. Ability to determine if sensitive areas are properly managed as specified in the prescribed grazing plan
No content identified
- 5. Ability to determine if sacrificial paddocks are properly selected to minimize impact to sensitive areas and reduce risk of erosion
No content identified
- 6. Ability to determine if the needed facilitating practices are installed and properly functioning
No content identified
- 7. Ability to determine if the practice application meets the plans and specifications in the conservation practice standard
No content identified