GRAZING BITES

by Victor Shelton,

Retired NRCS Agronomist/Grazing Specialist 

 Another grazing education opportunity will be back in southern Indiana on March 26th, 2025. Registration is now open for the Southern Indiana Grazing Conference.

For questions call 812-254-4780 Ext 3.

The event will be at the Shiloh Community Building just south of Odon, Ind. Speakers will discuss regenerative agriculture, soil health and grazing opportunities.

The speakers are:

- Ray Archuleta, a native of Española, N.M., who has deep roots in the Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado region, with his family’s history spanning over 400 years. He holds a degree in livestock science from Northern New Mexico College and a bachelor’s in agricultural biology, along with 30 hours of graduate work in soil science. He also completed two years of graduate school at New Mexico State University and earned a minor in Environmental Waste Management.  A certified professional soil scientist, Archuleta has built a remarkable career dedicated to soil health and regenerative agriculture.

- Russ Wilson is the owner of Wilson Land & Cattle, a family-operated ranch that has been dedicated to sustainable agriculture and responsible land stewardship.  With a deep commitment to regenerative land management practices, Wilson has built a reputation for his expertise in holistic livestock management, soil health, and ecosystem restoration.  Under his leadership, Wilson Land & Cattle has become a model of environmentally conscious farming, using innovative methods to improve soil fertility, water management, and biodiversity on the ranch.

- Jeff McGuire is the owner and operator of McGuire Farms in Boonville, Ind., where he has built a successful, sustainable farming operation focused on land, livestock, and community health. Committed to regenerative practices, he emphasizes soil health, rotational grazing, and holistic land management to boost long-term productivity and ecological integrity.  

An active member of his local agricultural community, Wilson served on the Warrick County Soil and Water Conservation Board and is passionate about educating others on regenerative agriculture.

AGENDA

7:30 a.m. – Registration – Rolls, juice, coffee & milk

8:30 a.m. – Welcome & Introductions

8:45-9:45 a.m. – Ray Archuleta

“Building soil health in grazing systems with management with possibly less inputs and releasing natural fertility”

9:45-10:30 a.m. – BREAK and NETWORKING

10:30-11:30 a.m. – Ray Archuleta

“Building soil health in grazing systems with management with possibly less inputs and releasing natural fertility”

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – LUNCH (Sander’s Catering)

12:30-1:15 p.m. – Russ Wilson

“Stacked Regenerative Enterprises for the Family Farm”

1:15-1:45 p.m. – BREAK

1:45-2:30 p.m. – Russ Wilson

“Stacked Regenerative Enterprises for the Family Farm”

2:30-2:45 p.m. – BREAK

2:45-3:45 – Jeff McGuire

“Turning poorly reclaimed strip-mined ground into quality pasture and cropland with grazing livestock and cover crops”

3:45-4:00 p.m. Questions and Answers.