Pasture Walk - NW Graziers Network
Jun
22
10:00 AM10:00

Pasture Walk - NW Graziers Network

Beef & Sheep Pasture Walk south of Amery, Saturday, June 22, 10 AM

The NW Wisconsin Graziers Network, River Country RC&D and UW-Madison Extension invite you to a multi-species pasture walk hosted by Whetstone Farm and Cultivating the Commons, located 7 miles southwest of Amery in Polk County on Saturday, June 22 from 10:00AM-12:00PM. This educational event will include multi-enterprises, grazing planning, direct marketing, multi-species grazing, winter bale grazing, vegetable CSA and vegetable seed production, and a soil health discussion.

Come tour a collaboratively run grazing operation (alongside vegetable and seed production) with Whetstone Farm and Cultivating the Commons. These farms collaboratively manage 176 acres with rotationally grazed livestock and have completed EQIP programs as well as working with Polk County Land and Water. Together they were able to improve their livestock operations to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat. Whetstone Farm manages a flock of crossbred sheep (200+ head) and a small herd of Galloway cattle (18 head).

There will be a soil health discussion led by UW-Madison Extension crops specialist on challenges of converting cropland to perennial forage production.

This walk will focus on the livestock and grazing components of the farms. Discuss rotational grazing with cattle and sheep using a mix of permanent and movable fencing. See recent installments with NRCS EQIP programs including above ground water lines, permanent & mobile fencing, and converting crop lands to permanent pastures. Discuss corral for multi-species use, lambing on pasture, parasite maintenance, guard dog use, direct marketing, educational programing, on farm slaughter, and conservation easements.

Whetstone Farm direct markets most of their products via website and farmer’s market, alongside offering on-farm slaughter as well as slaughter/butchering educational workshops. Whetstone Farm has been providing grass-fed lamb for 10 years and raising cattle for grass fed beef since 2021. Other enterprises include a vegetable CSA and specialty crop seed production.

The farm is located at 260 135th Street in south central Polk County. On Hwy 46 going south of Amery, turn right (west) onto 20th Avenue go west 2.5 miles, turn right (north) onto 135th Street, go about 1/2 mile to farm on right. Coming from the south, on Hwy 46 about five miles south of Amery turn left (west) onto 20th Avenue and follow directions above. Watch for the signs.

For more information, contact Kass at 402-310-2046, Becky Brathal, UW-Madison Extension Regional Crops Educator, at 651-302-6520, Chris Johnson, River Country-RC&D at 715-579-0793, or Lynn Johnson at 715-225-9882 with NW Wisconsin Graziers Network.

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Jul
13
12:00 PM12:00

Co-op Farm Tour After Party

Saturday July 13 is the Coop farm tour, come stop by Whetstone Farm and Cultivating the Commons to see the seed crops blooming, pick up some sheep hotdogs (the best you’ll ever have), and check out the farms.

Potluck and fire to follow.

281 135th street, Amery WI 54001

More info to come!

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Aug
10
1:00 PM13:00

Burdock Days

Burdock Days 2024

Saturday August 10, 1:00 pm

Come for a day of work, games, and fun to help us remove burdock from the farm before it goes to seed and sticks to all the sheep.

Prizes, food, and a bonfire afterwards.

Check back here for more details, flyer, etc!

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May
26
2:00 PM14:00

Interfarm Games

Hello farmers,

We've been scheming for many months about how fun it would be to have a big inter-farm, all-ages game of capture the flag

Yes, it's May, and yes, we're all busy, but why not come over and run around like crazy and enjoy a Sunday before CSA season really kicks off?? 

We can play other games, too, if folks have fun outdoor games to play. 

What: Outdoor games!

Where: Whetstone Farm, 281 135th St. Amery, WI 54001

When: Sunday, May 26th, 2PM

 Contact: Chris Mann: 612-202-7841

We'll play all afternoon, or until we're tuckered out. If you want to stay for dinner, we'll fire up the grill so please bring something to throw on the grill and/or a side and we can have an informal potuck to follow. 

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Apr
20
7:30 AM07:30

Sheep Shearing

Saturday, April 20th
7:30AM-4:20PM (or any part of that you can come for)

260 135th St.
Amery, WI 54001

(Please note the location! We will be shearing at the new farm across the street in the big pole barn there.)

We'll be shearing and hoof trimming about 120 sheep on April 20th. We'd love your help!

We will be providing lunch for everyone (extra food/snacks are welcome, but by no means expected).

Experience is certainly appreciated, but not required. And if you have little ones or aren't necessarily able to help with the sheep, we're also always happy to have folks stopping by to watch. Just let us know if you plan to attend so we know what to expect.

We'll have snacks and coffee/tea available throughout the morning, and then eat a big late lunch together, either when the shearing is done, or the shearers take a break in the early to mid afternoon.

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