By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent COLUMBUS, Ohio — To many farmers and ranchers in the United States, grazing is not rocket science. But Michigan State University Extension Educator Ben Bartlett says there’s much more to it than simply releasing livestock out into an open field.
“Every grazing technique has its pros and cons, its costs and benefits, but many in the U.S. have missed out by not using all the ‘tools’ in the grazing toolbox,” Bartlett says. “There’s no right or wrong way to graze,” Bartlett said. “The key is to know what you are trying to accomplish and then use the best grazing techniques and new knowledge to accomplish your goal. I say new knowledge and it’s just as valuable as a new fence, or new kinds of grasses.”
Bartlett will be the keynote speaker at the 2010 Heart of America Grazing Conference on Jan. 20-21 at Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. This annual meeting rotates among five states from Ohio to Missouri. The conference combines research information along with talks by producers from the Midwest.
Bartlett has led several groups on international trips to observe grazing operations abroad, to places like Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, England and South Africa. Bartlett’s keynote topic at this year’s meeting is International Grazing.
“Those overseas take grazing a whole lot more serious than we do,” Bartlett said.
“Every area is different in our country and, of course, there are a lot of different issues when farming in a different country. However, rain is rain, sunshine is sunshine and while orchard grass becomes cocksfoot, it’s still the same grass. The differences are the things that humans influence, but most of the biological issues are the same. Most of the great grazing areas of the world tend to be more ocean-moderated climates, whereas we are definitely a continental climate, with more extremes and more variability.”
According to Bartlett, grazing is a management system that balances the needs of the plant community with the needs of the grazing stock along with the desires of the management.
“The level of grazing proficiency here in the U.S. is low because most in this country are not using new knowledge and advanced management techniques,” Bartlett said. “There is too much emphasis on growing the forage and not enough effort put into harvesting expertise and techniques. We in the U.S. have low harvesting costs and great mechanical harvesting expertise, so there is great potential for grazers to improve on these systems.”
Bartlett will stress the importance of four grazing systems: set stocking, rotational grazing, management-intensive grazing and mob grazing.
“One really needs production and management knowledge about the plant community, the grazing animals and the people involved,” Bartlett said.
Presentations the second day of the conference will feature Dr. Justin Sexten, state extension beef specialist from the University of Missouri. Dr. Sexton will discuss the eight steps to stretching a pasture. Howard Straub, a pasture-based dairy farmer from Michigan, who is also vice chairman of the National Grazing Land Coalition Initiative Committee, will share the economics of his grazing operation. Katherine Harrison, director to the American Goat Federation, will address direct marketing issues.
Bartlett will speak again on the second day, with his topic being “Low Stress Livestock Handling.”
Breakout sessions will focus on beef, sheep, goat, dairy and advanced grazing management. Other topics discussed during these breakout sessions include direct marketing, oats as a late summer and fall forage crop, forage and grazing management. A panel discussion of experienced grazing dairy farmers is also slated.
An exhibit of grassland vendors will be on hand at the conference center on those two days.
Roberts Centre is located on Exit 50 on I-71 and state Route 68. Conference registration fee is $65, which includes dinner, lunch and breaks. Contact Jeff McCutcheon at 419-947-1070 for registration information. One-day registration fee for Jan. 20 is $25. The fee for Jan. 21 is $45. |
