top of page
Cattle in Pasture

Wisconsin Grazing Coalition 

Advancing Managed Grazing for a Vibrant Wisconsin 

After nearly four decades of focus, innovation, and rural leadership by entrepreneurial graziers, the good news about grassland agriculture – the well-managed grazing of animals on perennial grasslands – is beginning to break through. New research confirms that more grazing farms and more acres under perennial cover means cleaner water, healthier soils with more stored carbon, more pollinators and more grassland birds. There’s excitement in the air, and we’re seeing evidence building all across Wisconsin.  The time is now for bringing this change about faster and at a bigger scale.

family moves cattle_edited.png

About Us

The Wisconsin Grazing Coalition (WGC) is dedicated to advancing managed grazing practices across Wisconsin to build thriving rural communities, healthier ecosystems, and more resilient food systems. Formed through decades of grassroots innovation and leadership, the WGC is a collaborative network of local, regional, state, and national organizations and individuals working together to amplify the benefits of well-managed grazing.  

​

From improving water quality and soil health to supporting farmer livelihoods and combating climate change, WGC envisions a society where grazing plays a key role in Wisconsin’s agricultural and environmental success.

Mission:

The Wisconsin Grazing Coalition promotes managed grazing in Wisconsin through engagement, advocacy, and organizing to cultivate economically, environmentally, and socially thriving communities.

​

Vision

We envision a society that values and supports managed grazing and grasslands for their contributions to:

  • Rural community vitality

  • Farmer livelihoods

  • Healthy and resilient food production

  • Clean water and soil health

  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation

  • Increased biodiversity

DSC09066.JPG

Key Goals

The Wisconsin Grazing Coalition advances managed grazing through the following initiatives:

  1. Improving Grazing Practices: Increase adoption and enhance management of grazing on farms statewide.

  2. Advocacy: Champion effective and equitable implementation of grazing-related programs and policies.

  3. Reforming the Farm Safety Net: Advocate for reforms to crop insurance, subsidies, and financing to better support grazers.

  4. Farmer Assistance: Provide financial and technical support for graziers to implement sustainable practices.

  5. Market Development: Build supply chains, processing capacity, and consumer markets for grass-fed products.

  6. Education and Outreach: Host conferences, field days, and beginning farmer programs to share knowledge and expertise.

  7. Equity and Access: Create pathways for BIPOC, beginning, and under-resourced farmers to access land and opportunities in grazing.

Sheep in Open Fields
Take Action

Join the movement to advance managed grazing in Wisconsin!

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Join the Coalition: Submit a membership application and help shape the future of grazing in Wisconsin.

  • Participate in Events: Attend field days, conferences, and workshops to learn more and connect with like-minded advocates.

  • Advocate for Policy Change: Work with us to educate decision-makers on the benefits of managed grazing.

  • Spread the Word: Share success stories, resources, and WGC updates on your networks and social media platforms.

Partnerships

WGC is an initiative with partnership, leadership, and guidance from: :

Audubon Great Lakes

Clean Wisconsin

Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection

Ducks Unlimited

Glacierland RC&D

Golden Sands RC&D

Grassland 2.0

GrassWorks

Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition

Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Agriculture

Iowa County LCD

Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Wisconsin NRCS

Organic Valley

Pheasants Forever

Rural Climate Partnership

Sand County Foundation

Sauk County LCD

The Nature Conservancy

UW Extension

UW Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems

Wallace Center Pasture Project

Wisconsin Farmers Union

Wisconsin Land+Water

Questions? Contact:

Chuck Anderas,  Interim Coalition Director 

bottom of page