OARDC's Jackson Branch is situated in the rolling hills and lowlands
along Little Salt Creek in southeastern Ohio. The branch was established in 1968 when
OARDC leased 337 acres from the Jackson County commissioners. Two additional parcels were
later purchased which increased the size of the branch to 502 acres.
Initially, research at this branch focused on fruit crops, ornamental
landscape plants and agronomic crops in addition to beef cattle and forage production.
Cultivar trials with apples, peaches, strawberries and thornless blackberries were
conducted. Scientists also analyze tillage and rotation schemes for agronomic crops.
Presently, the main research effort at Jackson involves production of
beef cattle and evaluation of forage production systems for support of the cattle. Current
cattle research emphasizes reproductive management through the development of effective
methods to synchronize estrus. Systems that incorporate the use of progestins are being
studied. If proven effective, these systems will substantially enhance the ability to
control estrus and implement efficient programs of artificial insemination.
Matching feed resources to beef cow milk production and calf age at weaning is another
important area of study at Jackson. Reduced forage availability during July and August
when cows are in mid- to late-lactation can cause loss of animal body condition. Weaning
calves at 100 days of age instead of the normal 200 days reduces the cow¹s need for feed
in late summer when pasture production is normally at its lowest level. Removing the calf
from the cow allows her to improve body condition before going into the winter months.
Forage studies using both small, replicated plots and large pasture
acreage are ongoing. Variety trials are conducted to evaluate yield, quality and
persistence of alfalfa, red clover, birds-foot trefoil and fescue. Demonstration plots of
warm-season grasses and new legumes such as kura clover are also evaluated.
The Jackson Branch is home to a 26-acre, six-paddock grazing cell with
different legumes together with orchardgrass in each paddock. A study is underway to
investigate the forageanimal relationship and the economic viability of
management-intensive, extended grazing systems. Scientists are trying to reduce the winter
feeding period to 75 days reducing the need for mechanically harvested forage which
will reduce feed costs.
The South District office of Ohio State University Extension is located
at the Jackson Branch. Extension agents carry out independent research and demonstration
projects, and join with OARDC scientists in cooperative research at the branch and on
private farms.