Open to: All – BCIA Registrants and Public Welcome! (A BCIA account is required to register)

This event is supported by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF). Funding for the BCCAF has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. BCCAF is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation. To learn more, visit www.bccaf.ca

Join Don Gayton, M.Sc., P.Ag, and Lani French at Havenwood Ranch for an in-depth workshop and discussion on rotational grazing, and how it impacts land and livestock management. During this session we will go over some of the fundamentals of grass types, grass growth and response to defoliation. Don will also speak to the exciting new topic of virtual (electronic) fencing, a game-changing technology that should be available in Canada soon.

Havenwood Ranch, located just south of Vernon, is a historic fifth-generation cow-calf operation co-managed by Lani French, her mother Noreen, and her brother Mark. With deep roots in the region, the ranch has upheld its commitment to sustainable practices and responsible livestock management. Whether you're new to rotational grazing or looking to expand your knowledge, this workshop will offer valuable insights into the history, science, and practicalities of the system.

Agenda

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Registration and Welcome to Havenwood Ranch

· Participants sign in.

· Brief introduction of the event and overview of the day.

· About Havenwood Ranch

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Overview of Grass Types and Growth Patterns

· Discussion on different grass species, including native, introduced agronomics, and invasive species.

· Understanding the physiology of annual vs. perennial and bunchgrass vs. rhizomatous types, and their response to defoliation.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Grass Response to Defoliation

· Overview of how grasses respond to grazing and defoliation.

· Strategies for optimizing pasture recovery and health.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Introduction to Rotational Grazing

· Learn about pioneers in rotational grazing like Arthur Sampson, Andre Voisin, and Alan Savory.

· Discussion of modern issues such as grass-fed beef, virtual fencing, and carbon sequestration.

· Overview of rotational grazing benefits and practices at Havenwood Ranch.

· Pasture Size and Stocking Rate: Learn how these factors affect selective and non-selective grazing systems.

· Grazing Systems: review of continuous grazing, rotational, and deferred rest rotation systems, Management Intensive Grazing and Targetted Grazing

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Virtual Fencing Technology

· Introduction to revolutionary virtual fencing technology (e.g., Vence and Gallagher systems).

· Discussion of pilot projects in Washington State and future applications in Canada.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Q&A Session and Networking Lunch - Delivered to site

· Open floor for participants to ask questions related to the topics covered.

· Opportunity for participants to mingle and discuss the day’s topics over lunch.

· Note: Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies during registration and if you will be attending this portion of the event.

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Additional Topics Covered:

· Vegetation Dynamics: Explore how rotational grazing impacts plant species composition and biodiversity.

· Soil Health: Examine benefits to soil structure, nutrient cycling, and overall health.

· Weather Considerations: Discuss seasonal grazing and climate change effects.

· Grazing and Fire: Discover grazing as a tool for wildfire risk reduction and management post-burn.

· Livestock Behavior: Insights into herd dynamics in rotational systems.

· Farm/Ranch Logistics: Planning infrastructure, managing water, and scheduling rotations.

· Economic Considerations: Cost-benefit analysis and long-term profitability of rotational grazing.

· Owner Attitudes and Adoption Challenges: Adoption hurdles and success stories.

· Rotational Grazing Trials and Results: Real-world case studies and lessons learned.

Don Gayton, M.Sc., P.Ag(ret.), is a Canadian plant ecologist with a career spanning over four decades. He holds a Master's degree in Plant Ecology from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy from Washington State University. Gayton's expertise lies in grassland and dry forest ecology, fire ecology, invasive species management, and ecological restoration. He has worked as a regional range ecologist, a forage and range management specialist, and an instructor of fire ecology. Currently self-employed as a consultant, Gayton has published extensively and received multiple awards for his contributions to conservation and ecological science. He is also an accomplished author, with several books and numerous technical publications to his name.

Lani French, currently serving as president of the North Okanagan Livestock Association, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the ranch’s operations. Havenwood is also a proud member of the Verified Beef Producer Plus (VBP+) program, emphasizing their dedication to industry-leading standards in animal care, environmental stewardship, and food safety. During the session, Lani will provide an overview of the ranch's operations and share insights into their use of rotational grazing techniques, highlighting how these practices contribute to the health of both the land and their cattle.

This event is designed for farmers, ranchers, Agrologists, and the public looking to deepen their understanding of rotational grazing and explore how this practice can be integrated into their operations for greater sustainability and productivity.

This event is designed for farmers, ranchers, Agrologists, and the public looking to deepen their understanding of rotational grazing and explore how this practice can be integrated into their operations for greater sustainability and productivity.

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken throughout the tour. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.

Due to limited spots and this being a catered event, please provide adequate notice if you register and find you can't attend. If you have food intolerances or allergies, please advise us when you register. If your allergy is anaphylactic, ensure you inform us and bring your EpiPen.

Register now to secure your spot!