Grazing Events and Pasture Walks

“Breeding for Angus Excellence While Managing for Quality Pastures”

Pasture Walk:
Thursday November 9, 2006
9:30 am to 12 noon
River Bend Farm, 25 Branch Rd., Peapack, NJ

Not only does River Bend Farm have a top-notch breeding program, their management is highly dependant of pasture and forage health. The Garden State Grazing Coalition will be visiting River Bend Farm, managed by Corne Vogelaar, on Thursday November 9, 2006 from 9:30 to noon, located in Peapack, NJ, Somerset County.

We will tour the pastures tucked into the rolling hills of Somerset County. Their goal is to be New Jersey’s leading supplier of quality Angus cattle. “We are striving to breed some of the best Angus Cattle to be found in the Northeast. Our breeding philosophy is simple. There are three main criteria we use in our selection process, and only those cattle that excel in all three areas go on to be a part of our breeding program.

• First, we stress the maternal traits. Our cows have to be fertile, calve easy and raise a big calf on an all roughage diet, and they must have the fleshing ability and the structural soundness to be able to do so year after year.
• Secondly, we focus on growth. Our animals have to grow rapidly, mature early, and do so efficiently.
• Thirdly, we select for carcass quality. Using the latest ultrasound technology, we can identify those animals that exhibit superior carcass traits, whereby we not only control how much we produce, but also what we produce,” states Vogelaar.

All of the above is accomplished on a strong forage-based diet. Grain is supplemented, but pasture health is of high importance to the nutrition program. Cattle are on grass 12 months out of the year, and we will have the opportunity to take a look into the winter management program.

PLEASE REGISTER if you plan to attend by calling 908-735-0737 x3 or emailing.

To get directions and get updates on any changes please call 908-735-0737 x3 or email.

The tour is sponsored by the Garden State Grazing Coalition.

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Last Modified: October 24, 2006