The Grazier’s Toolbox: Business Decision Making, Practical Tools and Tips for the Custom or Contract Grazier

Photo by Isabela Zawistowska

December 3 & 10, 8-9:30 AM, PST - FREE

Hosted in partnership with Quivira Coalition’s New Agrarian Program

In this two-part workshop, founders of the Grazing School of the West, Cole Bush and Olivia Tincani, will dig into the roots of what makes a grazier’s business different. The Grazier’s Toolbox is part of Grazing School of the West’s ongoing efforts to create practical and useful tools that every contract grazier can utilize in their day-to-day efforts of land and animal stewardship. These courses are especially meaningful for small ruminant tenders (sheep and goat), but much of the thinking can be applied to cattle, as well.

In PART ONE we will discuss business planning and decision-making and the distinct things to consider while planning your contract or prescribed grazing business. Part one will be distinctly useful for folks running other livestock operations that are considering moving into grazing as an additional enterprise, or for folks just beginning to ideate contract grazing activities, or simply curious about how it works.

In PART TWO we will review various business tools, templates, and instruments that power operations of grazing businesses and empower their entrepreneurs and employees. Whether new to the sector or in business for years, these tools and templates help graziers analyze the vital heartbeats of their businesses. Tools include: contract job cost / breakeven calculator; herd growth calculator; safety checklists; software apps that aid in mapping and project bidding; design software; hiring guide including job descriptions, and more. We will include time for breakout discussions to encourage networking and peer learning.

Office Hours, Dec. 17, 8-9:30AM PST: As a followup to the workshop, join us for 90 minutes of more in-depth question asking and peer learning. Absorb the elements of the workshop, reflect on the tools presented, and come back to an intimate table for continued conversation and diving deeper. Note that this session will be powered by your questions and thoughts, and educators will not be presenting; come prepared with your thoughts! Spots for five graziers, filled on a first-come, first-served basis.