Slinging bull with and at the experts can be rewarding, especially if all of the slingers can enjoy ribeye sandwiches as part of the experience. The experts: Bob Hendershot, grassland management systems conservationist with NRCS; and Chris Gibbs, who has traveled across the big pond to promote beef exports. The date: Sept. 6. The location:  the Gibbs Farm, 20200 St. Rt. 47, Maplewood, Ohio. On a map, the site can be found just east of where St. Rt. 65 intersects from the north.

The annual Fall Roundup of the Shelby County Cattlemen’s Assoc. on that Tuesday is expected to draw participants from across western Ohio and beyond.  Featuring speakers such as Hendershot and Gibbs offers cattlemen perspectives from individuals who “have been there and done that” when it comes to discussing grass and foreign interest in our beef. 

This year’s program kicks off at 6 p.m. sharp for those wanting to sharpen their pasture management skills. Hendershot has shared expertise on grazing in many states and even in other countries. He does ask cattle managers who plan on attending to ponder the following thoughts prior to the Roundup.

•Do you know what your forages are worth?
•Increase your returns per acre.
•2011 is the year forage testing will pay.
•Feed less hay, graze longer.
•Pasture watering systems pay BIG returns.
•Proper soil fertility improves pasture quantity and quality.

Those who know Hendershot can appreciate his intention to encourage discussion by seeding the audience with ideas prior to the meeting. We would hope folks clip these 10 “not so original” thoughts to challenge Bob that night and assist with his reeducation process.

Close to 100 cow/calf pairs roam the 200-plus acre operation, retained by a year-old and still developing fencing system. Oats was no-tilled mid-summer to stockpile forage for extended grazing. The Gibbs request that the evening’s participants to scrutinize their management and would welcome insightful ideas for improvement.

To hoof it through the pasture with the rest of the gang, plan to arrive a few minutes early. The delicious ribeye steaks are due to be off the grill at 7 p.m., accompanied by a few side dishes and various liquids to wash the meal down. The human feeding period immediately precedes the final presentation.
With the belief that cattle producers should always look out for future markets, Gibbs has traveled abroad searching for those opportunities. He has found that Israel is particularly interested in beef from the United States. Three trips to that country and action here has connected an Israeli customer with an American supplier. Unfortunately, international trade protocols remain, blocking us from meeting the desires of that Middle Eastern country. Learn more about Gibb’s endeavors on Sept. 6.

For more information, contact  President Mike York at 937-295-3736 or visit www.shelbycountycattlemen.com

Several questions were asked recently about timing the last cutting of alfalfa. Late cuttings can reduce the likelihood of a stand’s ability to survive the winter and reduce its vigor next spring. After your last harvest, alfalfa needs about six weeks of uninterrupted growth to become fully winterized. Harvest before or after that time period to minimize stress on the stand. Keep in mind that cutting a stand after that period does remove some protection from heaving caused by repeated freezing and thawing that may occur late winter/early spring.

Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.