“Grow and Graze” Webinar Series Launches with Practical Peer-Led Discussion

On Tuesday, June 17, the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition (ILGLC) launched its new quarterly webinar series, Grow and Graze, designed to create space for livestock producers to learn from one another in a peer-to-peer discussion format. This first session, titled "Making the Most of the 2025 Grazing Season," welcomed 31 registrants, with 23 producers joining live for the hour-long conversation.

Rather than a formal presentation, this webinar was structured as a moderated panel discussion since farmers often prefer real-world stories and firsthand insights over slide decks and theory. The conversation was moderated by Logan Karcher, ILGLC’s Director of Producer Programs, and featured two highly respected voices in regenerative grazing:

• Dan Sanderson of Pasture Grazed Regenerative Farm, who shared insights from his sheep and cattle operation, including his use of cover crop grazing, virtual fence, and multi species management.

• David Kleinschmidt of Progressive Agronomy Consulting brought a technical perspective to the conversation, highlighting best practices for pasture and cover crop species selection and how to optimize forage systems for animal health and profitability.

Together, they covered a wide range of topics including:

• Strategies for optimizing summer pasture management

• Plans for stockpiling hay for the winter months

• Preparing cattle for high conception rates during breeding season

• Practical approaches to cover crop grazing

• Integrating sheep with cattle to maximize pasture utilization and increase diversity

The discussion highlighted not just best practices, but the real-world challenges farmers are facing this growing season. Attendees asked questions and had multiple takeaways they can implement in their own operations.

A recording of the webinar is available on ILGLC’s new YouTube channel, as well as through The Grazing and Forage Hub at grazingforage.com, a new educational platform ILGLC launched earlier this month in partnership with Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, University of Illinois Extension, and NRCS Illinois.

The next Grow and Graze webinar is scheduled for September 2025.