Summer 2025 has created challenges for growers and graziers across Illinois. Learn what three farmers are doing to extend the growing season and manage their drought plan. Like all Grow and Graze webinars, the session was designed as a conversation rather than a presentation.

Logan Karcher, ILGLC director of producer programs, moderates the discussion, joined by Dan Sanderson of Pasture Grazed Regenerative Farm and David Kleinschmidt of Progressive Agronomy Consulting. Together, the panelists shared updates from their operations, real-world challenges, and strategies Illinois graziers can apply in their own systems.

Highlights from the Discussion

• 0:00 Introduction of hosts and panelists

• 4:58 Benefits of warm-season forages for summer grazing

• 6:53 Managing overmature cool-season forages and weeds

• 13:33 Maintaining cow body condition during breeding season

• 16:18 Managing drought stress and leaving adequate residuals

• 19:06 Grazing cropland after harvest to reduce hay needs

• 20:26 Danger of nitrates and prussic acid in fall grazing 23:57 Balancing the need for fall grazing and winter stockpiling

• 26:03 Seeding warm season annuals within cool season forages

• 29:34 Cover crop grazing strategies after harvest

• 35:07 Seeding cover crops with drones

• 37:27 Planning for spring oats, barley

• 39:28 Dealing with mud and establishing dedicated sacrifice areas

• 47:36 Rejuvenating shady bare spots

• 48:14 Fertilizing fescue-based pastures

• 49:55 Understanding pH levels