Graze Anatomy: Give Your Pastures a Check Up this September

If your pasture could talk, what would it say? Maybe it's asking for a little rain. Maybe it's begging for a break. Or maybe it's quietly reminding you that healthy pastures don't happen by accident.

Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) invites livestock producers to give their grazing systems a checkup during thier Graze Anatomy Conservation Chat on Tuesday, September 16, at Kinsey Valley Farm, 1425 County Road 175, Jeromesville. The program begins at 5 p.m. and will combine practical grazing advice, emerging technology, and plenty of conversation over dinner.

"Good grazing isn't about squeezing every last blade of grass out of a field," said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director. "It's about giving your pasture the opportunity to recover so it can keep working for you year after year. Healthy forage means healthier soil, healthier livestock, and fewer headaches when Mother Nature decides not to cooperate."

The evening features a lineup of speakers who know a thing or two about keeping pastures productive.

Ohio's Certified Crop Advisor of the Year Aaron Clark will demonstrate how drone technology is changing pasture management by making targeted applications that improve forage health while saving time and inputs.

Aaron Clark talks about drone applications for cover crops at Ashland SWCD’s July Conservation Chat: Cover Your Bases. He will return for our September Conservation Chat: Graze Anatomy at Kinsey Valley Farms.

Emma Matcham with Ohio State University Extension will discuss strategies for renovating drought-stressed pastures and helping forage stands recover stronger than before.

Jarrod Hittle of the Ohio Department of Agriculture will explain how grazing management plans can serve as a roadmap for healthier pastures, healthier livestock, and a healthier bottom line.

In addition to the educational presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to meet Ashland SWCD's newest team members, Agricultural Conservation Specialist Tressie Wallace and Administrative Assistant Avery Frank, and learn about new and upcoming grazing cost-share opportunities available through local, state, and federal conservation programs.

"We know producers are busy, especially this time of year," Houin said. "That's why our Conservation Chats are designed to be practical, relaxed, and worth the trip. You can enjoy a good meal, ask questions, swap ideas with other producers, and head home with information you can actually put to work on your farm."

Registration is $5 per person—or attend free when you bring a friend. Dinner is included, but advance RSVPs are required. Reservations can be made at grazeanatomy.eventbrite.com.

Graze Anatomy is part of Ashland SWCD's monthly Conservation Chat series, designed to bring farmers, landowners, and conservation partners together to learn about timely natural resource topics in an informal, discussion-based setting. Each program features local experts, practical information, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with others who care about the future of Ashland County's farms, forests, and waterways.