Over the past ten years, SCFB has worked diligently to bring a wide variety of educational seminars to members and guests. Most recently a Livestock Management and Economics seminar was presented on April 5, 2016 by Ohio State Extension Summit County, Countryside Conservancy and the Summit County Farm Bureau, hosted by Dayton Nursery in Norton. Participants walked away with a wealth of knowledge presented by the evening speakers.
Rory Lewandowski, an Ohio State University Extension Educator, reviewed principles and considerations in grazing economics. He emphasized many points to evaluate and reminded all that pastures used more effectively equals managed grazing. Wrapping up his presentations explaining that rotational grazing increases economic profitability by increasing production per acre.
Jeff McCutcheon, an Ohio State University Extension Educator, took over where Rory left off, focusing his presentation on pasture and forage management in the heavy use areas. He reminded all that here in Ohio, we are fortunate (or unfortunate) to have five seasons; spring, summer, fall, winter, and MUD, which lasts about 45 days! He concluded his time with numerous suggestions in dealing with that fifth season, an exceptionally long one this year that started way back in February.
Lynette Harmon, District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, explained her role as a detective who provides technical assistance and shared-cost help to improvements that protect the environment.
Here is her review of the nine-step conservation planning process:
1. Identify problems and opportunities
2. Determine objectives
3. Inventory resources
4. Analyze resource data
5. Formulate alternatives
6. Evaluate alternatives
7. Make decisions
8. Implement the plan
9. Evaluate the plan
This helped everyone understand the need to protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources within a social and economic perspective.
Dayton Nursery will also host an April 20th seminar on Backyard Chickens, where Carrie Boss Arnold and Toni Longville will teach guests where to begin and how to maintain their own backyard chickens.
It is through these educational seminars, just to name a couple, that SCFB hopes to encourage members to continue to be good stewards of their livestock and land. Now, that being said, we are always open to any and all suggestions for future seminars.
PLEASE feel free to contact us with your ideas, needs or interests. We will be happy to put together a program for you!