Verona Green Pasture Walk
July 23, 2026 6:00PM - 8:00PM
3203 Helena Rd, Bad Axe MI 48413
Contact: Brittany Schultz, Kable Thurlow
Join us for a pasture walk!
About the farm:
Verona Green Farm was started in 2023 on land formerly used for the cultivation of corn and soybean crops. The rolling terrain of the farm coupled with wildlife pressures from the surrounding Verona State Game Area were major considerations in the decision to convert the farm to grassland for raising ruminants. The farm currently occupies 40 acres of which half is fenced for grazing White Dorper sheep and Murray Grey beef cattle from early May through mid-November. Hay harvested from excess pasture and unfenced land is fed the remainder of the year either out on the pasture or in confinement depending upon weather conditions. It is planned to gradually expand the pasture areas to encompass the farm’s full 160 acres over the next few years. During the grazing season, animals are moved every three days with cattle leading the sheep across the pasture. Paddock size varies and is determined by estimating forage dry matter yield using a grazing stick or by visual assessment. This year, the farms plans on bringing ram lambs off pasture at weaning and finishing them in the barn using a combination of “green cut” pasture and a small amount of grain supplementation to facilitate fall slaughter for marketing to various outlets. Ewe lambs will remain on pasture with ewes for the duration of the grazing season.
Topics you'll explore
·Phasing from conventional dairy/beef to field crop production to grassland
·Pasture and hay seeding, likes and dislikes relative to pasture species
·Fencing preferences relative to wildlife and predator challenges in the State Game Area
·Planned infrastructure related to fencing and watering
·Rotational grazing strategies
To register Contact Brittany (9890 426-7741 or msue.gladwin@msu.edu
Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Brittany (989) 426-7741 by July 9, 2026, to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be fulfilled when possible.
Get Directions
Print
Email