– Tim McDermott, OSU Extension Educator, Hocking County
A new demonstration area has been created at the Gwynne Conservation Area for Farm Science Review that exhibits forage species adapted for year around grazing.
Spring oats planted at the Gwynne Conservation Area of FSR in early August
This summer a 1.1 acre plot that had been planted previously in warm season bunch grasses was converted into a series of different forage varieties designed to help teach management intensive grazing principles so that producers can get closer to a year round grazing program. The acreage was divided into four roughly quarter acre plots and planted with four different forage types including warm season annuals, warm season perennials, cool season perennials, and overwintered stockpiled forage.
Throughout the Review that is held at the Molly Caren Center near London September 19-21, speakers from OSU Extension and NRCS will present on different forage topics while at the demonstration plots. A pasture walk component is included so that producers can get a closer view of the rotations as well as have a chance to ask questions about how they can incorporate these forages and techniques into their grazing and hay making systems.
The Gwynne Conservation Area is a separate area from the main grounds of Farm Science Review, a short way up Arbuckle Road. Shuttles will transport attendees throughout all three days of the Review and bring them back to the main grounds.
If you are interested in seeing these new forage plots or have an interest in developing your grazing rotation further, feel free to visit these new year round forage and grazing demonstration plots in the Gwynne Conservation Area of Farm Science Review. Farm Science Review tickets will remain on sale for $7 at OSU Extension offices until Monday, September 21, and may be purchased at the gate throughout the Review for $10.
For questions about the Year Around Grazing project, contact Tim McDermott, OSU Extension Educator, Hocking County at mcdermott.15@osu.edu.