Chehalis, Wash. (Natural Newswire) – Learn how intensive grazing practices and becoming certified organic have impacted the Styger Family Dairy in Chehalis.

Linda and Andy Styger have been farming for nearly 30 years and for the last 18 years have used rotational grazing with their herd of 70 cows. They say becoming a certified organic dairy in 2004 and joining the Organic Valley Family of Farms Cooperative is beneficial for the cows, the environment and the consumers.

“Our cows last longer. We can get eight to ten lactations from each cow and they live from ten to fifteen years,” said Linda.

Cows pasture on 76 acres divided into two-acre paddocks. After thoroughly grazing one section the herd moves onto another. The paddock rotations allow time for the grass to grow back evenly to an optimum level before cows return to consume the nutrient-rich forage.

The Stygers have been recognized by the Organic Valley Family of Farms Cooperative for their exemplary efforts in continuously shipping high quality milk. They were also honored by the Department of Ecology for their ecologically conscientious practice of fencing cows away from the nearby river to keep cows and their waste out of the water.

The Farm Walk, a farmer-to-farmer learning experience, allows time for questions and answers, at an advanced level, and an opportunity for farmers to share what practices and strategies are being used and the logic behind them. Community members are welcome to attend.

The Farm Walk is Monday, October 6 from noon to 3:30. The Styger Family Dairy Farm is located at 156 Tune Road in Chehalis. The cost is $10.00 for Tilth Producers members and $15.00 for non-members. Register on-site or pre-register by mailing a check to Tilth Producers, PO Box 85056, Seattle, WA 98145. Brown bag lunch recommended. Beverages provided.

Details about all Farm Walks are available at www.tilthproducers.org and www.smallfarms.wsu.edu. The Farm Walk is sponsored by Tilth Producers of Washington and the Washington State University Small Farms Team.

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Contact: Betsy Fradd, WSU Small Farms 253/445-4654 (office) 253/241-5043 (cell)