Champaign County Pasture Walk – May 27, 2010 6-9PM

OSU Extension – Champaign County has a late spring pasture walk planned for May 27th, from 6-9PM.  Even though I grew up on a cow-calf operation in southern Ohio, I have forgotten most of what I knew. I have attended these Pasture Walks in Clark, Shelby, Miami and Darke counties in the past and have always learned a great deal. They are casual events held in the pasture, often with animals nearby. We usually talk about the pasture we are in, then move on to other discussions about the grazing animals or pasture settings of those who attend. We always have lots of questions, too – and address all of those.

The location for Champaign County for 2010 is 4838 Church Rd, Urbana, home of Steve and Gina Roseberry – the Roseberry Cattle Company.

We will have Bob Hendershot, USDA-NRCS Grazing Specialist speak to the group about grazing management.

* With the economics of the past couple years for both grazing livestock and forages, many should benefit from Bob’s discussion on pasture species, planning for grazing, fencing, water availability and animal management.

The Roseberry’s are revamping their operation. They bought the property 12 years ago and are converting the operation from a grain farm to a pasture, hay and livestock farm. The farm originally had no facilities for animals so they are building their infrastructure from scratch. Recently added: pond with plans for a solar pump, fencing, and lots of new seedings. They also have plans for a barn.
* They are running a cow-calf operation or can run stocker cattle.
* They also train cattle horses.
* Sell natural beef by the whole, half or quarter.
* Website: www.roseberrycattlecompany.com  

Ron Nieman of the Champaign office of USDA-NRCS has worked with the Roseberrys on planned livestock improvements and will share with the group his perspective on federal EQIP support for practices. Members of the Champaign County Soil & Water Conservation District office plan to be in attendance as well.

Area OSU Extension educators will also be on hand to assist and to promote their Pasture for Profit programs.

All local grazers should plan to attend, no reservations needed, May 27th from 6-9PM. The location is 4838 Church Rd, Urbana - hosted by Steve and Gina Roseberry – watch for the OSU Extension Field Day direction signs leading to the site. Other events will be posted on: http://ohioforages.blogspot.com/  
Directions: travel northwest from Urbana on SR 29, to Church Road, turn left (south) and go to 4838 Church Rd on the west side of the road – look for signs. As an alternate route from the south, you can take Church Road north from SR 560.

Harold Watters, OSU Extension in Champaign County. Contact 937 484-1526, or watters.35@osu.edu.
http://champaign.osu.edu - our county Extension website.

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