Great Grazing focuses on maximizing profits, soil health

Livestock farmers in Ashland County face many of the same challenges as others across the country, and one of those challenges is managing their biggest expense: feed. And in Ashland County, most livestock producers use grazing as a tool to reduce their out-of-pocket feed costs.

That’s why Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is offering Ashland area farmers a chance to kick off the new year by sitting down with some of the state’s grazing experts and talking about the foundations of a great grazing plan. The January 5 Conservation Chat: Great Grazing even is designed to help producers save money by increasing their pasture’s productivity while improving their soil health at the same time.

And the best part is, while attending the chat does cost $5 (and includes lunch!), the development of the grazing plan itself won’t cost producers a dime. Ashland SWCD Conservation Specialist Katie Eikleberry says developing a grazing plan is a great way to take an objective look at your operation and plan ahead. And, she says those plans don’t have to be labor intensive; plans can be developed for producers whether they use continuous grazing, simple rotational grazing or intensive rotational grazing on their operation.

“We’re excited to be implementing a new grazing management plan cost share program in partnership with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) this year with six producers creating grazing plans for 339 acres,” Eikleberry said. “But event if producers did not get in on this first round of funding, we’re hoping this program will continue next year. And for producers outside of the Muskingum watershed, we’re more than willing to work with them to explore options and develop a plan that works for them, too.”

But why are grazing plans so important? With today’s tight profit margins and rising input costs, it’s more important than ever to make sure livestock operations are as efficient as possible when it comes to utilizing their forage, whether they are using grazing as a tool to lower their feed costs or as an alternative to make unproductive cropland productive.

Jason Ruhl, district conservationist with the Ashland Natural Resources Conservation Service (a component of the United States Department of Agriculture) will be on hand to cover the essential components of a grazing plan and different federal cost share opportunities for grazing plan development.

Producers can with the pros and cons of different grazing systems and determine what works best for their operation. Rotational grazing is more productive than continuous grazing, but for some farms the increased management input may not pencil out. Either way, overgrazing results in lower pasture quality and productivity, and farmers need a grazing backup plan for when things go wrong.

Garth Ruff, a member of Ohio State University’s beef team will also be on-hand to talk about simple and effective management practices and changes that can make a big impact on your operation. Ruff’s presentation will focus on forage selection and management.

The Great Grazing Conservation Chat will take place at 6 p.m. at the Ashland Board of Elections, 110 Cottage Street, on January 5. Pre-registration is required, and the $5 ticket includes dinner. RSVPs can be made online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conservation-chat-great-grazing-tickets-477514678257 or by calling  419-281-7645.