About MGIC

A story of farming, education, and the future of sustainable agriculture

Hi there! 👋 If you're reading this, you're probably like many farmers we know—working sunrise to sunset, managing pastures, caring for livestock, and trying to make sense of an ever-changing agricultural landscape.

But have you ever wondered why learning sustainable grazing practices is so hard to access? Or why the best knowledge stays locked in the minds of experienced farmers instead of being shared widely?

To answer these questions, and to explain why we created the Managed Grazing Innovation Center, we need to look at where we've been and where we're going.

From Traditional Knowledge to Digital Learning

For generations, farming knowledge passed from parent to child, neighbor to neighbor. Farmers learned by doing, by watching, by failing and trying again. This worked when farms stayed in families and communities remained tight-knit.

But as farms consolidated and rural communities changed, this traditional knowledge transfer began to break down. Young farmers couldn't always learn from their parents. New farmers entering agriculture had no mentors. Meanwhile, consumer demand for sustainable products was exploding.

The Challenge

How do we preserve generations of grazing wisdom while making it accessible to anyone, anywhere?

The Opportunity

What if online education could connect experienced graziers with eager learners across the country?

Our Vision

In 2017, the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (now Dairy Grazing Alliance) saw a gap. Universities offered degrees, but farmers needed practical, affordable education they could apply immediately. Extension programs existed, but couldn't reach everyone. Online courses were emerging, but few focused on the nuanced art of managed grazing.

That's where MGIC comes in. We're not trying to replace hands-on learning. We're amplifying it. By bringing together the best minds in managed grazing—farmers, researchers, extension specialists—we're creating something new: an online school that feels like learning from your neighbor.

What Makes Us Different

Open to Everyone

No prerequisites. No applications. If you want to learn, you're welcome here.

Practical Focus

Every lesson connects to real farm decisions. Theory meets practice in every class.

Proven Results

Learn between chores, after dark, during winter. Education that fits farm life.

Path to Certification

Take one class or six. Earn a certificate that means something in the industry.

Building a Moovement

We started with a simple belief: sustainable grazing isn't just better for the land—it's better for farmers' bottom lines. But transitioning to managed grazing requires knowledge, confidence, and community support.

With funding from USDA's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, we launched our first classes. 

In 2024, support from the USDA 2501 Program allowed us to translate our Apprenticeship program into Spanish, ensuring that everyone has access to the education they need to succeed.

Join the Grazing Revolution

Whether you're managing 5 acres or 500, whether you're just starting or looking to optimize, MGIC is here for you.