Landowners and livestock producers across Southern Oregon will soon have an opportunity to sharpen their pasture management skills through a five-part educational series hosted by the Oregon State University Extension Service in Josephine County.
Beginning March 17, the Pasture Management Class Series will offer practical, research-based instruction designed to help participants improve forage production, soil health, and grazing efficiency. The sessions will run every other Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., primarily at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, located at 569 Hanley Road in Central Point. One session, scheduled for April 28, will be conducted online via Zoom to provide additional flexibility for participants.
The series is structured to serve both small acreage landowners and larger agricultural producers who want to strengthen their understanding of pasture systems in the region’s unique climate and soil conditions. Participants may attend individual sessions based on specific interests or enroll in the full five-class program for a comprehensive overview.
The course schedule begins March 17 with a Pasture Options Overview, offering insight into forage species selection and strategies suited to Southern Oregon’s seasonal patterns. On March 31, the focus shifts to Weed Management, addressing identification and control techniques that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Soil Fertility will be the topic on April 14, exploring nutrient management, soil testing, and sustainable fertilization practices.
The April 28 Zoom session will concentrate on Seeding and Renovation, providing guidance on establishing new pasture stands and revitalizing underperforming fields. The series concludes May 12 with Grazing Management, examining stocking rates, rotational grazing systems, and practices that support long-term pasture resilience.
Organizers emphasize that the program is grounded in science-based research while remaining accessible and practical for everyday application. By combining classroom-style instruction with region-specific examples, the series aims to equip attendees with tools they can immediately implement on their own properties.
Registration is open to the public. The cost is $15 per class for an individual or $50 for the entire series. Farm partners may attend together for $20 per class or $80 for the complete five-session package. Pre-registration is encouraged, and additional details are available online at https://beav.es/iDb or by calling 541.241.3050.
Accommodation requests related to disabilities should be made at least seven days prior to each class by contacting Diane Choplin at 541.776.7371 or diane.choplin@oregonstate.edu.
The Oregon State University Extension Service operates in all 36 counties, delivering research-driven education to both rural and urban communities. Through programs like the Pasture Management Series, Extension staff continue their mission of strengthening agricultural knowledge, promoting sustainable land practices, and supporting the long-term vitality of Oregon’s farming and ranching communities.
For producers facing rising input costs, changing weather patterns, and increasing land pressures, the upcoming series offers not just instruction, but an opportunity to build resilience from the ground up—starting with the pasture itself.