Tag: pasture management
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.
Could a GPS collar replace a roll of wire? Exploring remote...
Remote grazing technologies like virtual fencing and GPS livestock tracking offer potential labor savings and better pasture management. Learn the key benefits, costs, and connectivity challenges producers must consider before adopting precision livestock tools on their farm from Ohio State Extension's Heather Neikirk.
Virtual fencing expands opportunities for western Pa. beef farm
Pennsylvania's Kolehmainen Cattle Company is using GPS collars and virtual fencing to streamline rotational grazing across 800 acres. Discover how smart technology saves time, opens up cover crops for grazing, and advances farm conservation in Enon Valley.
How virtual fencing is simplifying rotational grazing for farmers
Rotational grazing boosts pasture health and extends grazing seasons, but infrastructure costs can hold many farmers back. Monroe SWCD's Wyatt Feldner talks in this week's Dirt on Conservation column about how virtual fencing technology uses solar GPS collars and smartphone apps to easily manage livestock boundaries without building internal fences.
Summer pasture management: Tips to protect forage and extend grazing
As summer temperatures rise, cool-season grasses slow down. Dylan Stine of the Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation District offers practical advice on slowing down livestock rotations, stockpiling fescue for winter, and keeping summer weeds in check to maximize your forage.
3 strategies to overcome summer grazing challenges
Struggling with weeds, overgrazing or the midsummer pasture slump? Sandra Trushel of Ohio State University Extension outlines how to use flexible rotational grazing to break selective grazing cycles, fight weeds, and protect your grass through dry July and August weather.
What you can do to revive worn-out hay stands
Weather patterns left Ohio’s 2026 first-cutting grass hay short and low-yielding. If your long-term hay fields are struggling, OSU's Garth Ruff discusses how managing soil fertility, planning a late-summer reseeding or even transitioning the land to grazing can help maximize your returns.
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.
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.
Don’t rush the grass: Spring pasture tips that actually pay off
Grazing too early is like cashing a check before payday. Learn why waiting for proper plant height and using rotational grazing protects your forage all season.
