Month: April 2025

Understanding Forages and Feedstuffs

Dr. Brady Campbell, Assistant Professor, OSU State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist

Understanding the quality and value of forages within your operation will greatly improve your bottom line. With the recent green up in fields that I’ve seen across the countryside, today we’ll focus a bit more heavily on forages as it is the primary feed source used in sheep production globally, as well as the one that is most commonly overlooked and underappreciated. Ruminant species in grazing situations need to maximize forage digestion in order to meet their daily energy and protein requirements. Forages with unknown nutritive values can be dangerous as a producer may unintentionally limit or reduce and animals’ ability to meet their daily energy and protein requirements. Additional factors to consider are forage species, maturity at harvest, and lignin concentration. Remember, forage quality, nutritive values, and species grown/available will differ based upon geographic location. This section will highlight factors that should be considered to improve your forage feeding system.

Because of their versatility, Continue reading Understanding Forages and Feedstuffs →

Buckeyes Abroad: Megan Garrison

Office of International Affairs, The Ohio State University

Following suit from last week, Megan Garrison, another student on our Animal Sciences global education program, shares her experiences while abroad. I share these experiences here with you to highlight the work being done at The Ohio State University that is allowing our students to become more broad in their thinking while exposing them to new, innovative, and sometimes different production systems. These students are the future of our agricultural systems, with many gaining a new or deeper appreciation for the small ruminants that we all enjoy here. Megan’s original story can be found here. A big thank you all of our readers that support this program and myself. Without your support, opportunities like these would not be possible for our agricultural enthusiasts! Until next time, Happy Shepherding!

“What made my study abroad experience with Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Scotland’s Ruminants program truly memorable was the opportunity to explore Scotland through an agricultural lens. Getting to visit farms and research facilities allowed me to connect classroom knowledge with real-world practices in a completely different environment. Beyond the academics, it was Continue reading Buckeyes Abroad: Megan Garrison →

Buckeyes Abroad: Olivia Hillman

Office of International Affairs, The Ohio State University

 

For those that follow us here quite regularly, you may have noticed that about a month ago we were absent for a week. During that time period, I had the privilege to co-lead a group of 39 OSU Animal Sciences undergraduate students on our global education program – Scotland’s Ruminants. Olivia Hillman, one of our students that participated in the program, was asked to share her experience below. You may also view her original story here with additional photos. Enjoy!

“My study abroad experience with Ohio State’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences Scotland’s Ruminants program was truly unforgettable. The program combined my passion for animal sciences with a hands-on dive into Scotland’s agriculture. From visiting sustainable sheep farms in the Highlands to learning about Continue reading Buckeyes Abroad: Olivia Hillman →

Death by Lethal Ingestion

Mike Rankin, Senior Editor, Hay & Forage Grower
(Previously published online with Hay & Forage Grower: April 8, 2025)

(Image Source: Hay and Forage Grower)

The philosopher Socrates was sentenced to death in 399 B.C. for not believing in the popular Greek gods of his time and place. Without the option of an electric chair or firearm, the philosopher’s sentence — like that of many others — was to drink some poison hemlock juice. It’s not described as a pleasant or quick way to go.

Over 2,400 years later, poison hemlock still remains a lethal threat, but mostly to grazing livestock or where the weed is harvested in hay. In fact, it’s one of the first weeds to appear in pastures and hayfields, according to Kevin Bradley, an extension weed specialist with the University of Missouri.

Poison hemlock can be found growing Continue reading Death by Lethal Ingestion →

Don’t Jump the Grazing Gun

Amber Friedrichsen, Managing Editor, Hay and Forage Grower
(Previously published in Hay & Forage Grower: April 8, 2025)

Managing the spring flush of forage growth often involves flirting with the fine line between grazing too early and being swallowed by the surplus. As cool-season grasses start to green up, it may be tempting to turn cattle out on pasture as soon as possible, but green doesn’t always mean “go.”

Victor Shelton, a retired Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) agronomist and grazing specialist, warns farmers about cool-season grass growth that appears to be extra green. He says a brighter shade of grass isn’t necessarily a good sign. Moreover, it doesn’t indicate that forage is ready to graze.

Shelton explains these “greener” plants may actually have Continue reading Don’t Jump the Grazing Gun →