On Thursday, Sept. 8, Wisconsin Women in Conservation is hosting a field day in New London at Bouressa Family Farm from 1-5 p.m. The event is FREE and open to all interested women farmers, landowners and conservationists.
WiWiC Conservation Coach Rachel Bouressa, the fifth generation on the farm, will lead a tour of the pastures and integrated conservation practices. Bouressa raises grass-fed beef cattle in a managed-grazing rotational system that prioritizes soil health.
Children are welcome with supervision. Fresh pie will be served after the farm tour. RSVP here: WiWiC.org
“I believe that we have the unique opportunity to be stewards of the land for only a brief period of its time,” says Bouressa, who raises grass-fed and -finished beef for direct market. “Utilizing the cattle to manage the land as a resource brings a great deal of joy and pride to me, while also providing a valuable service and role within my community.”
Bouressa grew up in the fifth generation on her family’s dairy farm, and went on to UW-Madison to receive degrees in agronomy, soils and environmental science. She returned to the farm in New London in 2014 and began the grazing beef operation. She is vice-president of GrassWorks Inc, and a co-coordinator for the Central Wisconsin Graziers’ Network. Bouressa Family Farm animals are on pasture year round, with access to fresh grass daily in warm months, and grassy hay and alfalfa in the winter.
“Grazing is something I’m very passionate and excited to talk with others about, as well as to have others share in the experience of being out in the pasture: the sights, sounds, and smells of the grass, cows, bugs and birds. It really is amazing,” says Bouressa, who is also a member of the Waupaca County Farm Service Agency local committee and on the board of Wisconsin Farmers Union.
Part of the field day will address technical expertise and cost-share funds that are available from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service for portable fencing, remote water lines and other conservation practices.
Leave a Reply