Tag: pasture
Choose the right grass seed for pastures and lawns
Choosing the right grass seed starts with knowing your goal—whether managing pastures, planting lawns, or adding pollinator areas. Kelly Riley, of Wayne SWCD, breaks down germination rates, pasture vs. turf mixes, and why late summer to early fall is the best time to seed in Ohio.
Stock density vs. stocking rate: What’s the difference?
What is the difference between stock density and stocking rate? Ohio State University Extension Educator Josh Winters breaks down these essential grazing management concepts, explains how to calculate animal units, and shows how a grazing stick helps measure dry matter for optimal pasture output.
How an Ohio farmer delayed hay harvest to save nesting bobolinks
After learning that early hay harvest destroys bobolink nests, Jefferson County farmer Adam Costarella delayed cutting until July. By adjusting his grazing and haymaking schedule, he helped restore habitat for these long-distance migratory birds on his eastern Ohio farm.
Do you know what’s really growing in your pasture?
Recent droughts and unpredictable weather have given pasture weeds an advantage. Ohio State University Extension educator Ted Wiseman explains how to evaluate your fields, use targeted weed control, and implement smart grazing practices to rebuild a healthy, resilient stand of forage.
Is your herd well-fed or just full?
Lush pastures can be deceiving. Drought and overgrazing can lead to low-quality forage that leaves cattle full but malnourished. Learn how to spot abnormal herd behaviors, understand rumen breakdown, and use forage testing to ensure your livestock are truly well-fed.
How to protect spring calves from disease in muddy conditions
Spring calving in mud increases the risk of scours, navel ill and coccidiosis. Ohio State University Extension's Dan Lima talk about why colostrum is king and how to protect your calves from environmental pathogens.
Evaluating pasture damage: Is it time to renovate or repair?
Hard summers and muddy springs have left many pastures thin and weed-heavy. Ohio State University's Dean Kreager talk about how to use pasture condition scoring, soil testing and weed management to bring your forage back to life.
Grass isn’t free: Calculating the true value of your forage
With livestock prices at record highs, learn how to calculate pasture value, analyze nutrient costs, and factor grazing into your farm’s profit margins.
Year-end reflection for forage managers: pastures, hay quality & lessons learned
Reflect on pasture performance, hay quality, winter readiness, and farm stress after a challenging year for Ohio forage managers. Learn lessons to plan ahead.
Pastures suffer as Ohio, Pa. see second year of drought
Back-to-back droughts in summer and a wet spring have left pastures struggling to grow, leading many farmers to dip into their hay supplies early.
