GrassWorks provides resources to farmers and consumers on the advancements in managed grass-based agriculture. Kevin Mahalko, GrassWorks President says that things are really picking up post pandemic for their membership and provides insight into what they do.
“We’re coming out of the COVID pandemic where we had a lot of virtual meetings and our members are excited for the opportunity to meet again,” says Mahalko. “Our conference has record attendance and the GrassWorks team has put a lot of work into that.”
Mahalko says that he has seen managed grazing change over the years firsthand. He has seen business development, farmers being more interested in grazing, and a wider spread of species that farmers are utilizing grazing for.
He adds,” People want that connection to the land in the community, providing food from their farm to their neighbors and to the whole community. I’ve seen that either on the direct farming level as well as through national distribution of grass-based products which is a huge development over the last 30 years.”
GrassWorks goal is to continue to implement their strategic plan and provide educational opportunities in a space where grazers can discuss and learn from each other. With the upcoming Farm Bill, that will be even more evident as they look for ways to support research, direct marketing, and meeting their members’ priorities.
“I encourage people to look at the GrassWorks website as they will find a list of activities we do and how to be involved,” says Mahalko. “We have quite a bit of connection throughout the state with our grazing networks, complete pasture walks, host conferences and meetings, work with schools to help the farmer to farmer learning connection.”
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