If you are looking for higher yields, stockpiled feed for the summer slump, as well as better soil, growing corn for your cows to graze instead of perennial grasses may be the answer.

It takes at least three years for a farm to transition from conventional practices to organic, but that transition time can be an important period to gain knowledge and build relationships, said Julia Barton, sustainable agriculture educator with Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA).

“Start early and communicate often with your family about how you are thinking about transferring the farm business and land,” Teresa Opheim said, who works on farm transition issues for Practical Farmers of Iowa and Renewing the Countryside.

Chad Sime was ready to quit grazing. It was labor-intensive and stressful to him and his cows. He says there was no “natural flow” to it, and the inconvenience of moving cows was actually hampering his decision-making when it came to things like soil conservation.

What is the best way to go about choosing genetics for your grazing herd? “No single ideal pasture-based cow exists,” says Ted Probert, regional dairy specialist with the University of Missouri Extension.

“Even if you don’t do anything else, manage your colostrum well,” says Dr. Clifford Shipley about reducing reliance on antibiotics in cattle.

The old limestone barn had likely stood on the Kastenschmidt family farm for decades before Doug’s great-grandfather purchased the farm in 1953. The outside appearance has not changed much over the years, but inside it has gone from stanchions to a parlor to robotics.

Changing weather patterns across the U.S. has meant dealing with more mud for some graziers. Dirty cows are an issue, but University of Wisconsin Extension ag agent Vance Haugen said mud can also have an effect on cows’ feet and legs, somatic cell count – and can even make grasses unpalatable.