ALAMOSA — Dr. Allen Williams, a champion of the grass-fed beef industry as well as cutting edge grazing methodology, will present a workshop and field day at Adams State University on October 18 and October 19. Williams helps restore natural soil water retention and reduce runoff, increase land productivity, enhance plant and wildlife biodiversity, and produce healthier food. He also developed many of the original grass-fed protocols and technologies now adopted by the grass-fed sector.

The general session will begin at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 in Carson Auditorium. The session will begin with an overview of managing cattle for healthy soils, marketing, and building a local food economy. Adams State representatives will discuss their new food studies program.

Field Day, on October 19, focuses on details important to local cattle producers in managing and assessing their operations, maximizing quality, and ensuring soil and human health. Field Day begins at 9 a.m. in Carson Auditorium, and will include local perspectives by George Whitten and Patrick O’Neill.

The workshop will then move to Skadberg Farms and field discussion points will include critical infrastructure needed for rotational grazing, demo of building a bat latch, what skills needed for grazing manager, discussing the pinch points in the lifespan of a grass-fed animal, and more.

Following lunch, Williams and O’Neill will conclude the field discussion with tips, connections, and assessing risk, cost, and benefit.

Williams graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. and M.S. in animal science and a minor in poultry science, then attended Louisiana State University and earned his Ph.D. in animal genetics and physiology. After a time with the USDA FSIS, he had stints on the faculties at both Louisiana Tech University and Mississippi State University.

Many activities and presentations will take place throughout the two- day event. Interested participants can register for only the general session, or add additional lectures. For more details and to register online visit adams.edu/academics/cattleworkshop.php.