Plan now to attend our Conservation Chat: MOOchas GRASSias; your livestock will thank you!

Great grazing doesn’t just happen. It takes proper planning, research and good implementation skills. 

The June 13 Conservation Chat: MOOchas GRASSias at Sycamore Valley Farm will equip producers with the knowledge and skills they need to make that happen, and their livestock will thank them.

“We have a lot of livestock producers in Ashland County that rely on grazing to meet a significant proportion of their nutritional needs,” said Jane Houin, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) director. “But, very few of those operations are really maximizing their grazing potential. That’s why we’re bringing together some of the state’s leading grazing experts to help our producers really maximize their grazing potential and make the most of the land resources they have on their farm.”

For example, Bob Hendershot, one of the state’s leading grazing experts will be on-hand to talk about hands-on tips and tricks to maximize their grazing operation. Hendershot is retired from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service as the state grasslands conservation specialist. He was named the nation’s Outstanding Pastureland Conservationist in 1999 and was inducted into the Ohio State Conservationist Hall of Fame as well.

“We’re really excited to be able to bring some of the state’s leading grazing experts to Ashland County to share their knowledge,” Houin said. “Bringing Bob to Sycamore Valley Farms is a great teaching opportunity, because the Welches worked in consultation with Bob in developing a grazing plan for their heritage livestock operation.”

In addition to Hendershot, Jason Jones from Pheasants Forever will be on-hand to talk about warm season grasses and cost-share opportunities available through Pheasants Forever and the Farm Bill to incorporate into you grazing operation. 

Most pastures in Ashland County are primarily composed of cool season grasses—grasses that experience a strong flush and growth in the spring and early fall, but really fall off in production during the heat of summer, resulting in what livestock producers call the “summer slump.” Warm-season grasses can not only provide valuable livestock habitat, but it can also provide livestock access to grasses that thrive in the summer heat while cool season grasses that are most common in this area are experiencing reduced growth.

The Welches hosted a grazing event in 2021 that included a pasture walk with Hendershot as well.

Participants will then enjoy a pasture walk with the Welches and learn more about their heritage livestock operation, including a look at the livestock stream exclusion fencing project installed through funding from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.

Ashland SWCD Conservation Specialist Katie Eikleberry will also share information on cost-share opportunities for livestock exclusion fencing and the benefits it provides not only to water quality but also to livestock health and efficiency.

The MOOchas GRASSias Conservation Chat will take place on June 13 at 6 p.m. at Sycamore Valley Farms, 765 County Road 1775, Ashland. Registration will be $5/person, or when you bring a friend you can both come for free. Dinner will be provided. 

Lyndsay & Josh Welch will be sharing information with chat attendees about their pasture-based heritage livestock operation.

RSVPs are required. Registration can be made by calling Eileberry at 419-281-7645 or online at www.eventbrite.com/e/conservation-chat-moochas-grassias-tickets-764537270557