OSU Extension, NRC to Discuss Forages and Pasture Management at 3-Day Grazing School

JACKSON, Ohio – Farmers and producers interested in learning more about how to improve forage and pasture management after a drought, including an in-depth look at fence and livestock watering systems, can participate in a discussion of the issues by experts from Ohio State University Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service during a Grazing School Dec. 4, 6 and 8 at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s (OARDC) Jackson Agricultural Research Station. 

The grazing school kicks off Dec. 4 with an introduction to the Jackson Agricultural Research Station by Kenny Wells, who manages the station, as well as presentations on management-intensive grazing, resource evaluation, understanding plant growth and grazing economics. 

“Participants will also get to see hands-on demonstrations of production practices by OARDC experts, including different types of water devices, temporary polywire fencing to allow strip grazing of forages, and the use of different forage types,” Wells said. “The information is especially relevant this year for producers looking to mitigate forage drought losses.” 

Other topics to be covered include: Forage Species Selection; Grazing Systems and Contingency Plans for the Good, Bad and Ugly; Paddock Layout and Design; and Pasture Soil Fertility. The event runs Dec. 4 and 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. 

The school will also include a farm visit to view grazing management practices, including fence and livestock watering systems in the field at OARDC’s Jackson Agricultural Research Station. 

Registration for the event is $30, which includes the three-day program, refreshments and a handbook. For more information, participants may contact the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District at 740-286-5208 or the Vinton Soil and Water Conservation District at 740-596-5676. 

Registration is due Nov. 29. 

Part of OARDC, the research station is located at 019 Standpipe Road in Jackson. 

For those who can’t attend the Dec. 4, 6, and 8 event, future grazing schools will be held beginning in March. They include: Mt. Hope on March 18, 25 and April 1, 2013; a joint Belmont, Guernsey, Monroe and Noble counties grazing school March 26, April 2 and 9; and an offering in Tuscarawas County, also planned for March. 

Writers

Tracy Turner

614-688-1067

turner.490@osu.edu

Sources

Kenny Wells

740-286-3803

wells.296@osu.edu