The 2009 Forage Performance Trials Report is now available online at
http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~perf/
The report is a summary of performance data collected from forage variety trials in Ohio during 2009. It includes commercial varieties of alfalfa, orchardgrass, tall fescue, annual ryegrass and teff, in tests planted in 2006 to 2009 across three sites in Ohio: South Charleston, Wooster, and North Baltimore.
A pdf file easy for printing is available, as are downloadable spreadsheet files of all the trials.
Links to forage performance trials in other states are included on the Ohio Forage Performance Trials website. One very useful link is interactive website to compare alfalfa varieties across many locations (including Ohio data).
Friday, December 11, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
North Central Ohio Dairy Grazing Conference January 28 and 29, 2010
North Central Ohio Dairy Grazing Conference will be January 28 and 29, 2010 at the Buckeye Event Center in Dalton, Ohio. This two day program is full of information and opportunity to network with dairy graziers across Ohio and the Midwest. Speakers include Joe Tomandl from Medford, Wisconsin; Tom Weaver, dairy nutritionist and crop advisor from Cuba City, Wisconsin; Dale Neufeld, dairy grazier from Towanda, PA; Dr. David Zartman, retired Ohio State University Animal Scientist; and Ohio dairy producers: Jim Gasser, Eric Grim, Mose Hershberg, Mose V. Hershberger, Amos Nolt and Mike Gessel from Ohio. Both days offer beginner and advance sessions for dairy graziers. The cost for the conference is $45 for the two days. Registrations are due by January 20, 2010. For a brochure or more information, contact Leah Miller at Small Farm Institute, 28850 SR 621, Fresno, Ohio 43812; leah@smallfarminstitute.org or 740.545.6349.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
2010 Heart of America Grazing Conference
A multi-state meeting of grassland farmers, "Heart of America Grazing Conference," is coming to Roberts Centre, Wilmington, Ohio, January 20-21, 2010.
The annual meeting rotates among five states from Ohio to Missouri. The conference combines research information along with talks by producers from the Midwest, said Bob Hendershot, Lancaster, Ohio, NRCS state grassland conservationist, who is helping to coordinate the program along with Jeff McCutcheon, Mt. Gilead, Ohio OSU Extension Educator.
The keynote presentation at the opening banquet on January 20 will be "International Grazing.” The speaker, Ben Bartlett, a Michigan State University Extension Educator, has lead several groups on international trips to observe their grazing operations.
The presentations on the second day, January 21, will feature Dr. Justin Sexten, State Extension Beef Specialist, University of Missouri. Dr. Sexten, an Ohio native, will talk about the eight steps to stretching your pasture. Justin was recently highlighted in Successful Farming magazine. Howard Straub, a pasture based dairy farmer from Michigan, will be sharing the economics of his grazing operation. Howard has three grown children who also are grass based dairy farmers. Howard is vice chairman of the National Grazing Land Coalition Imitative Committee and vice-president of the American Forage and Grassland Council. Ben Bartlett will also be presenting in the morning on “Low Stress Livestock Handling.”
The farmers' favorite parts of grazing conferences are reports from other producers. There will be breakout sessions focusing on beef, sheep and goat, dairy and advanced grazing management. One farmer will be Katherine Harrison of Blystone Farms discussing direct marketing. Katherine has been named a director to the American Goat Federation. Jake Wolfinger , Ohio Young Cattleman of the year, will be discussing his use of oats as late summer and fall forage crop. Curt Cline, sheep producer whose farm was selected for the 2008 American Sheep Industry Environmental Stewardship, will be talking on his grazing operation. There will also be a panel discussion of experienced grazing dairy farmers.
Ohio State University specialists Dr. Steve Loerch and Dr. Dave Barker will each be discussing forage and grazing management. The Ohio Forage and Grassland Council will be having their annual meeting as a breakfast meeting on January 21.
An exhibit of grassland vendors will be available at the conference center. Roberts Centre is located at Exit 50 on Interstate Route 71 and US Route 68. Conference registration fee will be $65, which includes dinner, lunch and breaks. Registration for OFGC members will be $60. For registration send check, before Jan. 13, to Jeff McCutcheon, OSU Extension, 871 West Marion Road Suite 102, Mt. Gilead, OH 43338-1088, call Jeff at 419-947-1070. One-day registration fee for January 20 is $25 or January 21 for $45. A $10 late fee will be assessed for registrations after January 13, 2010. Rooms are available at the adjoining Holiday Inn at a special rate for the Heart of America Grazing Conference. Call 1-888-465-4329 for hotel reservations before December 28, 2009.
For a registration brochure in pdf format click here
The annual meeting rotates among five states from Ohio to Missouri. The conference combines research information along with talks by producers from the Midwest, said Bob Hendershot, Lancaster, Ohio, NRCS state grassland conservationist, who is helping to coordinate the program along with Jeff McCutcheon, Mt. Gilead, Ohio OSU Extension Educator.
The keynote presentation at the opening banquet on January 20 will be "International Grazing.” The speaker, Ben Bartlett, a Michigan State University Extension Educator, has lead several groups on international trips to observe their grazing operations.
The presentations on the second day, January 21, will feature Dr. Justin Sexten, State Extension Beef Specialist, University of Missouri. Dr. Sexten, an Ohio native, will talk about the eight steps to stretching your pasture. Justin was recently highlighted in Successful Farming magazine. Howard Straub, a pasture based dairy farmer from Michigan, will be sharing the economics of his grazing operation. Howard has three grown children who also are grass based dairy farmers. Howard is vice chairman of the National Grazing Land Coalition Imitative Committee and vice-president of the American Forage and Grassland Council. Ben Bartlett will also be presenting in the morning on “Low Stress Livestock Handling.”
The farmers' favorite parts of grazing conferences are reports from other producers. There will be breakout sessions focusing on beef, sheep and goat, dairy and advanced grazing management. One farmer will be Katherine Harrison of Blystone Farms discussing direct marketing. Katherine has been named a director to the American Goat Federation. Jake Wolfinger , Ohio Young Cattleman of the year, will be discussing his use of oats as late summer and fall forage crop. Curt Cline, sheep producer whose farm was selected for the 2008 American Sheep Industry Environmental Stewardship, will be talking on his grazing operation. There will also be a panel discussion of experienced grazing dairy farmers.
Ohio State University specialists Dr. Steve Loerch and Dr. Dave Barker will each be discussing forage and grazing management. The Ohio Forage and Grassland Council will be having their annual meeting as a breakfast meeting on January 21.
An exhibit of grassland vendors will be available at the conference center. Roberts Centre is located at Exit 50 on Interstate Route 71 and US Route 68. Conference registration fee will be $65, which includes dinner, lunch and breaks. Registration for OFGC members will be $60. For registration send check, before Jan. 13, to Jeff McCutcheon, OSU Extension, 871 West Marion Road Suite 102, Mt. Gilead, OH 43338-1088, call Jeff at 419-947-1070. One-day registration fee for January 20 is $25 or January 21 for $45. A $10 late fee will be assessed for registrations after January 13, 2010. Rooms are available at the adjoining Holiday Inn at a special rate for the Heart of America Grazing Conference. Call 1-888-465-4329 for hotel reservations before December 28, 2009.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Grazing Field Day October 3, 2009
Do you have an existing grazing operation that you are thinking about making some changes to? Or are you ready to start a grazing operation and need some guidance or ideas?
If so, come to the Newcomerstown area on October 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for a Field Day. This will be an informative field day discussing grazing system planning, fencing, water distribution, and pasture health. There will be a fencing demonstration along with presentations, and a pasture walk.
Join us at the farm of Don and Ann Carruthers located at:
3656 SR 258
Newcomerstown, Ohio 43832
This event is free!!! Registration is recommended, however, because lunch will be provided, courtesy of the numerous event sponsors.
The registration deadline is September 30, 2009. Please send your name, phone number, address, and number attending to:
Guernsey SWCD
9711 East Pike
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
OR call to register at (740) 432-5624
This event is sponsored by Guernsey Soil & Water Conservation District, USDA-NRCS, The OSU Extension Service, and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.
Hope to see you there!
If so, come to the Newcomerstown area on October 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for a Field Day. This will be an informative field day discussing grazing system planning, fencing, water distribution, and pasture health. There will be a fencing demonstration along with presentations, and a pasture walk.
Join us at the farm of Don and Ann Carruthers located at:
3656 SR 258
Newcomerstown, Ohio 43832
This event is free!!! Registration is recommended, however, because lunch will be provided, courtesy of the numerous event sponsors.
The registration deadline is September 30, 2009. Please send your name, phone number, address, and number attending to:
Guernsey SWCD
9711 East Pike
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
OR call to register at (740) 432-5624
This event is sponsored by Guernsey Soil & Water Conservation District, USDA-NRCS, The OSU Extension Service, and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.
Hope to see you there!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Shelby County Pasture Walk to be held September 17
The final Western Ohio pasture walk for 2009 will be held Thursday September 17 at Leroy and Rose Meyer's Organic Valley Farms. Organic Valley Farms is located at 9859 Brandewie Road, outside of Fort Loramie, Ohio.
Organic Valley Farms has been producing certified organic milk for three years, and presently milks 55 cows raised on six acres of alfalfa and grass pastures. Bob Hendershot, NRCS State Grazing specialist will be on hand to discuss managing cool season grasses, pasture renovation, stocking rates, and other topics that participants are interested in learning about.
There is no set agenda for the pasture walk so participants are encouraged to bring questions, thoughts, and ideas with them to help guide the session. No registration is required but for more information, contact the Shelby County Extension Office.
Organic Valley Farms has been producing certified organic milk for three years, and presently milks 55 cows raised on six acres of alfalfa and grass pastures. Bob Hendershot, NRCS State Grazing specialist will be on hand to discuss managing cool season grasses, pasture renovation, stocking rates, and other topics that participants are interested in learning about.
There is no set agenda for the pasture walk so participants are encouraged to bring questions, thoughts, and ideas with them to help guide the session. No registration is required but for more information, contact the Shelby County Extension Office.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
2009 Mid-Atlantic Grass-Finished Livestock Conference
Virginia will be hosting an excellent conference on grass finished livestock, to be held October 23-24, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Staunton, VA.
Nationally and internationally recognized experts will deliver science-based information about producing and marketing a consistently high-quality grass-finished product. It will cover forage systems for grass finishing, alternative marketing outlets, small-scale processing facilities, healthy grazing systems, supplementation for pasture finishing, factors affecting meat quality, and genetics for grass finishing. It will also feature a meat cutting and cooking demonstration.
For more information, just click on the title of this posting.
For a news release about it click here.
Nationally and internationally recognized experts will deliver science-based information about producing and marketing a consistently high-quality grass-finished product. It will cover forage systems for grass finishing, alternative marketing outlets, small-scale processing facilities, healthy grazing systems, supplementation for pasture finishing, factors affecting meat quality, and genetics for grass finishing. It will also feature a meat cutting and cooking demonstration.
For more information, just click on the title of this posting.
For a news release about it click here.
Purdue Forage Day
The Purdue Forage Day will be held September 17 in east central Indiana.
This will be a great educational event for forage producers and anyone interested in seeing new hay making equipment perform side-by-side.
For more information, see www.agry.purdue.edu/forageday
This will be a great educational event for forage producers and anyone interested in seeing new hay making equipment perform side-by-side.
For more information, see www.agry.purdue.edu/forageday
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Darke County Pasture Walk Set for August 11
On Tuesday, August 11, the next stop in the Western Ohio pasture walk series will take place in Darke County. This pasture walk will be held in northwest Darke County at 12926 Yorkshire-Osgood Road in Yorkshire.
This pasture walk is open to anyone involved in grazing livestock and will take place from 6:30 to 9:00 in the evening. There is no registration required but for more information, feel free to call the Darke NRCS Office at 937-548-1715.
This pasture walk is open to anyone involved in grazing livestock and will take place from 6:30 to 9:00 in the evening. There is no registration required but for more information, feel free to call the Darke NRCS Office at 937-548-1715.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Pasture Growth by July 5, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| April 5 | 10 | 2.6 | 52 | 23.5 |
| April 12 | 9 | 10.8 | 167.1 | 62.6 |
| April 19 | 20 | 1.6 | 166.5 | 59 |
| April 26 | 44 | 4.6 | 178.7 | 59.7 |
| May 3 | 33 | 5.4 | 162.3 | 67 |
| May 10 | 43 | 6.7 | 353.4 | 97.6 |
| May 17 | 41 | 6.25 | 253.2 | 93.2 |
| May 24 | 51 | 3.1 | 306.4 | 78.2 |
| May 31 | 49 | 1.8 | 152 | 55 |
| June 7 | 41 | 0.5 | 191.8 | 59.3 |
| June 14 | 30 | 2.8 | 238.9 | 51.6 |
| June 21 | 33 | 1.4 | 113.5 | 41 |
| June 28 | 26 | 3.6 | 180 | 61.3 |
July 2009 Issue of The Amazing Graze Newsletter Now Posted
The July 2009 issue of the Amazing Graze Newsletter is now posted on the Ohio Forage Network website. Follow the newsletter link. In this issue you will find articles entitled: Ohio General Assembly's Proposal on Livestock Care Standards Board; Oats, planted late, continue to be our most dependable forage?!?!; The Grazing Contingency Plan; No Matter How You Slice It, It’s P to K, 1 to 4, 13 to 50!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Pasture growth by June 21, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| April 5 | 10 | 2.6 | 52 | 23.5 |
| April 12 | 9 | 10.8 | 167.1 | 62.6 |
| April 19 | 20 | 1.6 | 166.5 | 59 |
| April 26 | 44 | 4.6 | 178.7 | 59.7 |
| May 3 | 33 | 5.4 | 162.3 | 67 |
| May 10 | 43 | 6.7 | 353.4 | 97.6 |
| May 17 | 41 | 6.25 | 253.2 | 93.2 |
| May 24 | 51 | 3.1 | 306.4 | 78.2 |
| May 31 | 48 | 1.8 | 152 | 56 |
| June 7 | 39 | 0.5 | 191.8 | 60.3 |
| June 14 | 28 | 2.8 | 238.9 | 50.2 |
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hot hay! How hot is too hot?
This article was originally published by Steve Barnhart, Extension Forage Agronomist with the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy.
I baled my hay a little too wet, now it's beginning to heat. Should I be worried? There are a lot of reasons given for hay being baled before it has dried thoroughly in the field. But, whatever the reason, questions and concerns about hay heating reach my office throughout the summer harvest season. It is a good practice to check baled hay 4 or 5 days after baling for its initial temperature rise level. Some guidelines for handling hay that is heating in storage are provided below according to temperature range.
Temperatures up to 120°F. Normal respiration by fungi and bacteria in wet hay cause the temperature to rise; this process often is called normal sweating during hay curing. Most people can hold their hand or arm in the hay for 30 seconds under such conditions. This level of heating occurs in hay baled at 15-20 percent moisture. These temperatures are generally not considered to cause serious concern in forage quality loss. Mold or mustiness may develop at this temperature range.
110-150°F. Heating is caused by respiration of fungi able to grow at temperatures in this range. Most people cannot hold their arm in hay very long if the temperature is greater than 120° F. Chemical reactions during heating cause some of the protein and fiber to become less digestible, and the hay to caramelize, giving it a tobacco-cured color and aroma. The loss in digestibility is greater at these temperatures than at lower temperatures. If the excess heat can dissipate from the stack or bale, temperatures seldom increase above 130-140° F.
135-160°F. At temperatures between 135° and 160° F, heating is dominated by the respiration of fungi able to grow at these high temperatures. At 150° F, check the temperature every day! At temperatures above 160° F, chemical reactions dominate the heating process and can proceed at a very rapid rate. If the temperatures continue to rise and heat is not dissipated from the storage site, a dangerous condition may develop. At 160° F, check the temperature every 4 hours.
175°F. Continue to check the temperature every few hours. Notify the fire department that you have some very hot hay and work with them for recommendations for further action.
195°F or hotter. Hay stored at 195° F or hotter can create a dangerous situation. Spontaneous combustion is possible. Do not attempt to move hay without fire department assistance.
Another concern in hay stored at higher-than-desired moisture levels is the growth of mold in the wet hay during storage. In extreme cases the mold remains visible in the hay; if only a slight amount of mold growth occurred there may be only a musty smell lingering in the hay. Consult your veterinarian about the adverse feeding effects of moldy hay on livestock, but, in general, horses are more sensitive to moldy or musty hay than are cattle or sheep. Mold and musty odors are often a factor in the marketing and pricing of hay that is bought and sold.
This article originally appeared on page 123 of the IC-480(16) -- June 29, 1998 issue.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Pasture Growth by June 14, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| April 5 | 10 | 2.6 | 52 | 23.5 |
| April 12 | 9 | 10.8 | 167.1 | 62.6 |
| April 19 | 20 | 1.6 | 166.5 | 59 |
| April 26 | 44 | 4.6 | 178.7 | 59.7 |
| May 3 | 33 | 5.4 | 162.3 | 67 |
| May 10 | 43 | 6.7 | 353.4 | 97.6 |
| May 17 | 40 | 6.25 | 253.2 | 92.1 |
| May 24 | 51 | 3.1 | 306.4 | 78.2 |
| May 31 | 38 | 1.8 | 151.7 | 60.1 |
| June 7 | 31 | 0.5 | 191.8 | 60 |
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pasture growth by June 7, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| April 5 | 10 | 2.6 | 52 | 23.5 |
| April 12 | 9 | 10.8 | 167.1 | 62.6 |
| April 19 | 20 | 1.6 | 166.5 | 59 |
| April 26 | 44 | 4.6 | 178.7 | 59.7 |
| May 3 | 33 | 5.4 | 162.3 | 67 |
| May 10 | 43 | 6.7 | 353.4 | 97.6 |
| May 17 | 40 | 6.25 | 253.2 | 92.1 |
| May 24 | 46 | 3.1 | 306.4 | 80.4 |
| May 31 | 36 | 1.8 | 151.7 | 61 |
Thursday, June 11, 2009
OFGC Grazing Sheep Tour 2009
We invite you to join us for the Sheep Grazing tour on July 10, 2009 in Noble County. For the past two years, Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council have sponsored a pre-Sheep Day tour with Small Farm Institute, OSU Extension, OSU Sheep and Forage Teams, NRCS and Ohio Sheep Improvement Association. The cost for the day tour will be $30.00 for OFGC members and $35.00 for non members. It includes the bus, lunch and other refreshments. Reservations are needed by July 2, 2009. Send your check and reservations to Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council, P.O. Box 488, Coshocton, OH 43812. You can download a registration form off www.smallfarminstitute.org website. If you have questions, please call 740.545.6349 or email leah@smallfarminstitute.org.
The tour starts at Caldwell Elementary school by boarding the bus at 9:00 a.m. The elementary school’s address is 44350 Fairground Rd., Caldwell, Ohio. Parking will be available at the school. The tour is all day. The hosts for our tour are Chuck and Lisa Rodenfels, Shawn and Kim Ray, and Wayne Shriver Family. The following is a description of each farm:
Somerhill Farm- This farm is owned and operated by Chuck and Lisa Rodenfels. The Rodenfels have been shepherds for more than 20 years. One of the interesting sights on this tour will be a rare breed of sheep, the Bluefaced Leicester. The Rodenfels were one of the first people in the US to raise this breed of sheep. While still quite rare here, the BFL is the maternal sire of the “mule”, the backbone of the British commercial sheep industry. Over the years, the Rodenfels have used semen from several imported sires, and have had laparoscopic artificial insemination performed at their farm. Besides the BFLs, there is also a flock of Katahdins, a breed of hairsheep. These sheep are pasture lambed in May. Both breeds of sheep are rotationally grazed on a year round basis using electric netting. The Rodenfels direct market their wool products by a website, internet sales, as well at local fiber events. They have also sold lamb meat at a farm market
The Ray Family Farm – Shawn and Kim, along with their children Etta, William, and Hannah; and his parents Gene and Carole, raise sheep and goats on two farms in Noble County totaling 179 acres. The sheep flock consists of ~100 Dorset cross commercial ewes and their lambs. The goat herd includes ~30 Boer/Spanish cross commercial does and their kids. The goats are barn lambed in March and then rotationally grazed until weaning and direct sale in late fall, timed for ethnic holiday. The sheep are pasture lambed April 20th through ~May 20th; jugged, then rotationally grazed and never seeing feed after the jug. Lambs are usually weaned mid to late July and continue to be rotationally grazed. Ideally like to begin grazing turnips in late September and begin marketing lambs directly off of turnips from late October through mid December. (Drought last two falls have changed that approach). The Ray’s have participated in some USDA programs and have done several practices including subdivision fencing, spring development, controlled stream crossings, stream exclusion fencing, woodland exclusion fencing, extensive waterline, automatic waterers and/or frost-free hydrants, heavy use feeding pads and farm lane construction.
Shriver Farms – The farm is diversified livestock and forage operation. The farm combines commercial cattle enterprises and commercial sheep on a large scale. The farming operations are spread over several areas with the commercial ewe operation near the home farm in Buffalo and the majority of cattle located near Summerfield. The primary forage utilized for grazing is fescue. Reclaimed strip-mine ground represents the all of the pasture utilized at the Summerfield operation. Various sections of the farms have utilized EQIP funds to develop water systems, fencing and stream crossings.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Pasture Growth by May 31, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| April 5 | 10 | 2.6 | 52 | 23.5 |
| April 12 | 9 | 10.8 | 167.1 | 62.6 |
| April 19 | 20 | 1.6 | 166.5 | 59 |
| April 26 | 44 | 4.6 | 178.7 | 59.7 |
| May 3 | 33 | 5.4 | 162.3 | 67 |
| May 10 | 43 | 6.7 | 353.4 | 97.6 |
| May 17 | 40 | 6.25 | 253.2 | 92.1 |
| May 24 | 44 | 3.1 | 306.4 | 82.97 |
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Pasture Growth by May 24, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| April 5 | 10 | 2.6 | 52 | 23.5 |
| April 12 | 9 | 10.8 | 167.1 | 62.6 |
| April 19 | 20 | 1.6 | 166.5 | 59 |
| April 26 | 44 | 4.6 | 178.7 | 59.7 |
| May 3 | 33 | 5.4 | 162.3 | 67 |
| May 10 | 42 | 6.7 | 353.4 | 93.5 |
| May 17 | 33 | 14.58 | 253.2 | 101.9 |
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Clark County Pasture Walk Set for June 18
The third pasture walk in the Western Ohio Pasture Walk series will be held on Thursday, June 18 at Agle's Beaverdale Farm. Agle's Beaverdale Farm is an Ohio Century Farm located at 993 South Urbana-Lisbon Road in South Vienna, Ohio.
Agle's Beaverdale Farm consists of 2.000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and cattle. There are four generations currently working on the farm. This pasture walk will begin at 6:30 and end around 9:00. For more information and directions, contact Jonah Johnson at the Clark County Extension Office at 937-328-4607.
Agle's Beaverdale Farm consists of 2.000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and cattle. There are four generations currently working on the farm. This pasture walk will begin at 6:30 and end around 9:00. For more information and directions, contact Jonah Johnson at the Clark County Extension Office at 937-328-4607.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Pasture Growth by May 17, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| April 5 | 10 | 2.6 | 52 | 23.5 |
| April 12 | 9 | 10.8 | 167.1 | 62.6 |
| April 19 | 20 | 1.6 | 166.5 | 59 |
| April 26 | 44 | 4.6 | 178.7 | 59.7 |
| May 3 | 32 | 5.4 | 162.3 | 68.8 |
| May 10 | 33 | 9.9 | 353.4 | 98.1 |
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Want to know how much rain is (or isn't) falling on your pastures and hay fields?
Recently, I joined a network of citizens across the United States giving daily rain measurements. The network is called CoCoRaHs and stands for Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow network. This is a great way to see just exactly how much rain has fallen in a particular area on a particular date.
Anyone is welcome to join, but you don't have to take measurements to see the data. For more information, or just to see how much rain has fallen in your area, simply go to http://cocorahs.org.
Anyone is welcome to join, but you don't have to take measurements to see the data. For more information, or just to see how much rain has fallen in your area, simply go to http://cocorahs.org.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Pasture Measurement
Rory Lewandowski, Extension Educator Athens County
Pasture measurement allows a grazier to determine an estimate of how much forage dry matter (DM) is available in a pasture paddock. Once forage DM is estimated, then the grazier can figure out how many animals can be grazed in that paddock for a given period of time. This is something that experienced graziers gain an eye for over time with practice. For beginning graziers pasture measurement can help to take some of the guesswork out of allocating pasture forage and it can help to reduce the slope of the learning curve associated with management intensive grazing.
To get the most benefit from pasture measurement, it must be done on a consistent basis. Think in terms of measuring pasture on a weekly basis. For the grazier serious about increasing pasture use and efficiency, weekly pasture measurement is not something that is added or squeezed in to an already busy schedule, but rather is a necessary management task. Pasture measurement done on a weekly basis will help the grazier to make decisions about how to best use pasture paddocks and over time will provide a trend of how much forage DM is being produced per week. Using this type of information can help a grazier plan the livestock rotation for periods of rapid growth as well as periods of slow growth. The trend can provide an early warning system in a drought year and help the grazier plan accordingly.
Taking a single pasture measurement in a paddock is not advisable because of the variability that typically exists in pasture growth and density across a paddock. Take 20 to 30 separate, random measurements across the paddock. The more that are taken, the more accurate your estimate of forage DM will be.
How will you decide which paddock to measure on a weekly basis? One strategy is to measure the same paddock each week. If that paddock is due to be grazed, then measure before animals are turned in and when animals are turned out. These additional measurements will give you information about how you are managing plant residual, an important part of how quickly a plant recovers from a grazing pass. Most pastures should be managed so there is 1200 to 1400 lbs of DM after animals have grazed. The other advantage of this strategy is that you will get a good idea of pasture growth rate in terms of how much DM is being added per acre each week.
Another measurement strategy is to measure a paddock that is due to be grazed each week. This will help to give you an idea about your rotation speed. If you are consistently measuring 2400 to 3000 lbs of forage DM per acre in paddocks about to be grazed, this indicates the rest period has been long enough. If forage DM is less than 2200 lbs per acre then rotation speed should be slowed down to allow the pasture more time to recover and grow.
The next question is: what is used to make pasture measurements? The most economical option is the pasture stick, which costs about $5.00 to $7.00 and is generally provided to participants of grazing schools. The current model of the pasture stick being used in Ohio has a scale to measure forage height, a scale to estimate forage density, a table of lbs of DM/inch for various pasture forage types, information about length of grazing rotations and information about calculating the lbs of DM available for grazing. The basic steps involved in using the grazing stick are:
Measure pasture height in 20-30 random areas of the paddock. Record those heights.
Add the measurements to get a total and then divide that total by the number of measurements. This will give you average pasture height.
Estimate pasture density using the dot scale on the pasture stick. This will allow you to estimate the lbs of DM per inch.
Multiply the average height (inches) by the pasture density (lbs of DM/inch). This will give you the total DM per acre in that paddock.
Subtract the amount of residual DM you want to leave in the paddock. This is plant height after grazing times the lbs of DM/inch. If you plan for a 3 to 4 inch residual, 1200-1400 lbs is about right. Consider the result of total DM minus residual DM to be the forage available for grazing.
Figure out the amount of utilizable forage. All of the forage available for grazing will not actually get grazed. There will be waste. The smaller the paddock size and the fewer days animals spend in that paddock the higher the grazing efficiency. If you are moving animals every 3-4 days use a 60% grazing efficiency to begin with. Multiply the available forage DM by the grazing efficiency expressed as a decimal. For example 1500 lbs DM x 0.60 = 900 lbs of utilizable forage DM/acre.
Figure out the livestock need in lbs of DM/day. Most livestock will consume between 2.5 to 3.0 % of their body weight in DM per day. You will need to know the average body weights of your livestock. Multiply the DM/day requirement for an individual animal by the total number of animals that will graze in that paddock. Example 30 head of sheep that average 150 lbs, consuming 2.75% of body weight in DM/day. 150 x .0275 = 4.1 lbs of DM/day. 4.1 x 30 head = 123 lbs of DM/day needed.
Figure out what the paddock can support. Divide the utilizable forage by the livestock requirement to get how many days of grazing the paddock will provide. In our example: 900 lbs of utilizable DM divided by 123 lbs of DM needed /day = 7.3. There should be about a weeks worth of grazing in this paddock.
Make adjustments based on the measurement calculations. For example if my goal is to rotate every 3-4 days and in our example we found that one acre is providing 7 days worth of grazing for 30 head of sheep, then provide about 0.5 acres every 3 days.
Another option to measure pastures is the rising plate meter. This is a simple instrument developed in New Zealand that has a counter built in. Record the beginning number on the counter, make 30 measurements and record the end number. Subtract the end number from the beginning number and divide that result by the number of measurements to get an average. Multiply this average by a conversion factor (currently 107.04) for cool season grass pastures. Use this number as the total forage DM/acre and follow the steps outlined for the pasture stick to make the remaining animal use calculations. The plate meter is quicker, but the cost of this instrument is about $450.
In the end, whatever method is used to measure pastures has value only if those measurements are used and applied to doing a better job of managing pastures.
Pasture measurement allows a grazier to determine an estimate of how much forage dry matter (DM) is available in a pasture paddock. Once forage DM is estimated, then the grazier can figure out how many animals can be grazed in that paddock for a given period of time. This is something that experienced graziers gain an eye for over time with practice. For beginning graziers pasture measurement can help to take some of the guesswork out of allocating pasture forage and it can help to reduce the slope of the learning curve associated with management intensive grazing.
To get the most benefit from pasture measurement, it must be done on a consistent basis. Think in terms of measuring pasture on a weekly basis. For the grazier serious about increasing pasture use and efficiency, weekly pasture measurement is not something that is added or squeezed in to an already busy schedule, but rather is a necessary management task. Pasture measurement done on a weekly basis will help the grazier to make decisions about how to best use pasture paddocks and over time will provide a trend of how much forage DM is being produced per week. Using this type of information can help a grazier plan the livestock rotation for periods of rapid growth as well as periods of slow growth. The trend can provide an early warning system in a drought year and help the grazier plan accordingly.
Taking a single pasture measurement in a paddock is not advisable because of the variability that typically exists in pasture growth and density across a paddock. Take 20 to 30 separate, random measurements across the paddock. The more that are taken, the more accurate your estimate of forage DM will be.
How will you decide which paddock to measure on a weekly basis? One strategy is to measure the same paddock each week. If that paddock is due to be grazed, then measure before animals are turned in and when animals are turned out. These additional measurements will give you information about how you are managing plant residual, an important part of how quickly a plant recovers from a grazing pass. Most pastures should be managed so there is 1200 to 1400 lbs of DM after animals have grazed. The other advantage of this strategy is that you will get a good idea of pasture growth rate in terms of how much DM is being added per acre each week.
Another measurement strategy is to measure a paddock that is due to be grazed each week. This will help to give you an idea about your rotation speed. If you are consistently measuring 2400 to 3000 lbs of forage DM per acre in paddocks about to be grazed, this indicates the rest period has been long enough. If forage DM is less than 2200 lbs per acre then rotation speed should be slowed down to allow the pasture more time to recover and grow.
The next question is: what is used to make pasture measurements? The most economical option is the pasture stick, which costs about $5.00 to $7.00 and is generally provided to participants of grazing schools. The current model of the pasture stick being used in Ohio has a scale to measure forage height, a scale to estimate forage density, a table of lbs of DM/inch for various pasture forage types, information about length of grazing rotations and information about calculating the lbs of DM available for grazing. The basic steps involved in using the grazing stick are:
Measure pasture height in 20-30 random areas of the paddock. Record those heights.
Add the measurements to get a total and then divide that total by the number of measurements. This will give you average pasture height.
Estimate pasture density using the dot scale on the pasture stick. This will allow you to estimate the lbs of DM per inch.
Multiply the average height (inches) by the pasture density (lbs of DM/inch). This will give you the total DM per acre in that paddock.
Subtract the amount of residual DM you want to leave in the paddock. This is plant height after grazing times the lbs of DM/inch. If you plan for a 3 to 4 inch residual, 1200-1400 lbs is about right. Consider the result of total DM minus residual DM to be the forage available for grazing.
Figure out the amount of utilizable forage. All of the forage available for grazing will not actually get grazed. There will be waste. The smaller the paddock size and the fewer days animals spend in that paddock the higher the grazing efficiency. If you are moving animals every 3-4 days use a 60% grazing efficiency to begin with. Multiply the available forage DM by the grazing efficiency expressed as a decimal. For example 1500 lbs DM x 0.60 = 900 lbs of utilizable forage DM/acre.
Figure out the livestock need in lbs of DM/day. Most livestock will consume between 2.5 to 3.0 % of their body weight in DM per day. You will need to know the average body weights of your livestock. Multiply the DM/day requirement for an individual animal by the total number of animals that will graze in that paddock. Example 30 head of sheep that average 150 lbs, consuming 2.75% of body weight in DM/day. 150 x .0275 = 4.1 lbs of DM/day. 4.1 x 30 head = 123 lbs of DM/day needed.
Figure out what the paddock can support. Divide the utilizable forage by the livestock requirement to get how many days of grazing the paddock will provide. In our example: 900 lbs of utilizable DM divided by 123 lbs of DM needed /day = 7.3. There should be about a weeks worth of grazing in this paddock.
Make adjustments based on the measurement calculations. For example if my goal is to rotate every 3-4 days and in our example we found that one acre is providing 7 days worth of grazing for 30 head of sheep, then provide about 0.5 acres every 3 days.
Another option to measure pastures is the rising plate meter. This is a simple instrument developed in New Zealand that has a counter built in. Record the beginning number on the counter, make 30 measurements and record the end number. Subtract the end number from the beginning number and divide that result by the number of measurements to get an average. Multiply this average by a conversion factor (currently 107.04) for cool season grass pastures. Use this number as the total forage DM/acre and follow the steps outlined for the pasture stick to make the remaining animal use calculations. The plate meter is quicker, but the cost of this instrument is about $450.
In the end, whatever method is used to measure pastures has value only if those measurements are used and applied to doing a better job of managing pastures.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Update on Champaign Co. Pasture Walk
Champaign County Pasture Walk - May 28, 6:30 to 9PM
As noted earlier we will be at the same location as last year - 4145 E. SR 296, Urbana - Cable Acres Farm, home of Larry & Jan Dagger. Justin Dagger a Champaign SWCD board member and brother Jason Dagger are also involved in the operation. We plan to go up the hill this year to look at growth on winter pasture. Also on the farm for discussion is the heavy use pad we looked at last year, there is a new hay seeding of alfalfa, timothy and orchard grass - with an oat companion crop, as well as the concrete bunker feeders and a rotation lot and calving areas.
Jason remarks that the winter was pretty easy on the pasture areas with cold but dry conditions. Things look better than last year at the site. Bob Hendershot NRCS State Grazing Specialist and local NRCS and SWCD folks will also make comments. Join us from 6:30 to 9PM. Call the OSU Extension office if you need more information - 937 484-1526.
As noted earlier we will be at the same location as last year - 4145 E. SR 296, Urbana - Cable Acres Farm, home of Larry & Jan Dagger. Justin Dagger a Champaign SWCD board member and brother Jason Dagger are also involved in the operation. We plan to go up the hill this year to look at growth on winter pasture. Also on the farm for discussion is the heavy use pad we looked at last year, there is a new hay seeding of alfalfa, timothy and orchard grass - with an oat companion crop, as well as the concrete bunker feeders and a rotation lot and calving areas.
Jason remarks that the winter was pretty easy on the pasture areas with cold but dry conditions. Things look better than last year at the site. Bob Hendershot NRCS State Grazing Specialist and local NRCS and SWCD folks will also make comments. Join us from 6:30 to 9PM. Call the OSU Extension office if you need more information - 937 484-1526.
May 2009 Issue of Amazing Graze Posted
The May 2009 issue of the Amazing Graze Newsletter is now posted on the Ohio Forage Network website. Follow the newsletter link. In this issue you will find articles entitled: Summer Annual Forages; Springs, Ponds & Streams; and Pasture Soil Quality, Assessing the Evidence.
Pickaway County May Pasture Growth
The pasture growth for the first 10 days of May was 155.5 lbs dry matter/acre/day on my farm in southeast Pickaway County.
The paddock needs grazed, too much grass (too many leaves) 4311 pounds of dry matter per acre. I am predicting the growth rate will slow down this week until I can get the animals on to graze it. Still no seed heads but it was grazed in mid April removing 460 pounds of dry matter per acre with a heavy stocking rate with a short duration. The clovers are coming in strong. The reason for the April graze. Set the grass back some so the clovers would be a larger component of the pasture.
Bob Hendershot
The paddock needs grazed, too much grass (too many leaves) 4311 pounds of dry matter per acre. I am predicting the growth rate will slow down this week until I can get the animals on to graze it. Still no seed heads but it was grazed in mid April removing 460 pounds of dry matter per acre with a heavy stocking rate with a short duration. The clovers are coming in strong. The reason for the April graze. Set the grass back some so the clovers would be a larger component of the pasture.
Bob Hendershot
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Pasture Growth by May 3, 2009
The following table shows the growth from pastures participating in the project. For information about the project see the introductory post. The information is reported in pounds of dry matter grown per acre per day. It contains the reported results as of the posting date. Some reports may be delayed for various reasons. Previous week’s information is updated when it is received. The current table will reflect the total information available.
Week Starting | Fields sampled | Minimum | Maximum | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no.) | (pounds of DM per day) | |||
| April 5 | 10 | 2.6 | 52 | 23.5 |
| April 12 | 9 | 10.8 | 167.1 | 62.6 |
| April 19 | 20 | 1.6 | 166.5 | 59 |
| April 26 | 37 | 4.6 | 178.7 | 67.1 |
Ohio Pasture Measurement Project - 2009
The Ohio Pasture Measurement Project is in full swing for 2009. For more details about this project check out the original post. Basiclly, this project involves graziers measuring the same pasture field every week using a commercially available rising plate meter and reporting the measurement. We then calculate how much the pasture is growing during that week. (The specific plate meter we are using is made by Jenquip and available through Kencove Farm Fence Supplies.) Results will be posted on this blog.
This year we have over 30 volunteers measuring their pasture.
2009 Measurement Locations
This year we have over 30 volunteers measuring their pasture.
2009 Measurement Locations
Monday, April 20, 2009
Western Ohio Pasture Walks
The western Ohio Counties of Champaign, Clark, Darke, Miami, Montgomery, and Shelby will be holding monthly pasture walks throughouth the Spring, Summer, and into Fall. The dates and, where applicable, locations are included.
April 25-1-4 pm. This pasture walk will be located at Possum Creek Farm Metro Park which is located at 4790 Frytown road in Dayton. For more information, contact the Montgomery County Extension Office.
May 28-6:30 to 9 p.m. The Champaign County Extension Office will hold their pasture walk at Cable Acres Farm. Cable Acres is located on State Route 296, just off of Ludlow Road.
June 18-TBA. This pasture walk will be from 6:30 to 9:00 and will be held in Clark County
August11-This pasture walk will take place at the A.J. Luft Farm located at 12926 Osgood-Yorkshire Road in Yorkshire, Ohio. The walk will be held from 6:30 to 9:00.
September 17-6:30-9 p.m. The Shelby County pasture walk will be held at the home of Leroy and Rose Meyer, organic dairy farmers. The Meyer's are located at 9859 Brandewie Road, outside of Sidney. For more information, contact the Shelby County Extension Office.
April 25-1-4 pm. This pasture walk will be located at Possum Creek Farm Metro Park which is located at 4790 Frytown road in Dayton. For more information, contact the Montgomery County Extension Office.
May 28-6:30 to 9 p.m. The Champaign County Extension Office will hold their pasture walk at Cable Acres Farm. Cable Acres is located on State Route 296, just off of Ludlow Road.
June 18-TBA. This pasture walk will be from 6:30 to 9:00 and will be held in Clark County
August11-This pasture walk will take place at the A.J. Luft Farm located at 12926 Osgood-Yorkshire Road in Yorkshire, Ohio. The walk will be held from 6:30 to 9:00.
September 17-6:30-9 p.m. The Shelby County pasture walk will be held at the home of Leroy and Rose Meyer, organic dairy farmers. The Meyer's are located at 9859 Brandewie Road, outside of Sidney. For more information, contact the Shelby County Extension Office.
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