2021 Outstanding Producer Award

Posted on May 17, 2022 by

Leave a Comment

The 2021 Outstanding Producer Award was presented to Churchill Farms, a beef/forage farm in Harrison County. Cameron and Devon Churchill, second and third from left, were presented the award for implementing a successful rotational stocking program on their farm. Presenting the award were Indiana Forage Council Director, Dr. Nick Minton (left) and Jason Tower, American Forage and Grassland Senior Vice-President.

Indiana Forage Council Holds 2021 Pasture Workshops

Posted on December 21, 2021 by

Leave a Comment

“Making a Difference on the Farm with Improved Grazing Systems” was a one and a half day long program that educated forage-livestock producers and professional personnel that interact with producers about important concepts needed to make improvements in grazing systems. Information provided had application to all livestock types that utilize pasture. Much pastureland in Indiana is not meeting its full potential because forages are overgrazed, soil fertility is low, and improved forages are not being utilized. A properly implemented grazing system can reduce the amount of stored feed (hay and silage) fed and can improve the persistence of perennial forage species. Use of improved grazing systems improves the profitability of the farm because stocking rate could increase, but more importantly, livestock graze more days each year, which is less expensive than supplying harvested feed.

The “Making a Difference on the Farm with Improved Grazing Systems” program was held at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center on June 4 and 5, 2021 and in the Rossville/Cutler Indiana area on June 11 and 12, 2021.

Topics discussed at the program included forage growth and development, identifying different forages, how to use the Web Soil Survey, soil fertility, fencing and watering systems, determining proper stocking rate, nutritional needs of grazing livestock, potential plant-related toxicities, and extending the grazing season with stockpiling, use of corn residues and double crop forages. Much of the education was done with interactive hands-on activities, group discussion, demonstration of new fencing and water distribution technologies, and pasture tours. Enjoy reviewing the pictures!

The June 4 and 5, 2021 “Making a Difference with Improved Grazing Systems” event was held at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center. Valentina Tamayo, a Colombian University student and a visiting student at Purdue University, came the furthest distance to participate at the grazing school.
The June 4 and 5, 2021 “Making a Difference with Improved Grazing Systems” event was held at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center. Valentina Tamayo, a Colombian University student and a visiting student at Purdue University, came the furthest distance to participate at the grazing school.
Jason Tower, Superintendent at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center, was a member of the planning committee, a host, and instructor for the grazing schools.
While some of the grazing school instruction occurred while sitting at tables, much teaching occurred outside in the pasture. Students are learning about how cattle are moved from paddock to paddock.
While out in the pasture, Jason Tower states “Over there .  .  . .
John Scott, Purdue Extension Digital Coordinator, flew two unmanned aerial vehicles over the pasture. Behind John is a TV screen that permitted real time viewing of the pasture system. The unmanned aerial vehicle shown, broadcasted seed over an area in the pasture in need of vegetation.
Plant growth and development was one of the topics covered at the grazing school. The picture above illustrates differences in storage organ locations with tall fescue (left) and orchardgrass (right).
Let the race begin! The fencing reels shown have different revolution gearing so one brings the polywire
in three times faster than the other. It was a great demonstration led by instructor Jason Tower.
Jason Tower shows attendees the correct way to put up and take down electric fence netting. The netting is a great interior fencing alternative when grazing small ruminants.
Direct access to electricity for fencing is not necessary with solar panel use. This technological advancement allows improved grazing systems in locations once thought impossible.
Grazing school students observe plant diversity and goats in a rotational grazing program.
A grazing school objective was to see different livestock species in a grazing system. Meat goats at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center were observed out in the pasture.
Group interaction was encouraged in the field to identify different plant species. Resource materials were provided to help identify plants. Students were introduced to an app that is available at no cost for identifying plants and insects.
Rodney Hufford with Middlefork Meadows farms brought a forage floral arrangement that illustrated the diversity of forages in his pastures. Rodney was the host farmer at the Rossville/Cutler grazing school location.
A closeup example of some of the fencing and watering supplies that were discussed with grazing school students with the leadership of Jason Tower and Susannah Hinds, NRCS Grazing Specialist.
Grazing school students learned morphological parts of forage plants. Group interaction was encouraged. The mentor/mentee relationship worked well.
Students were shown how mineral feeders (shown) and water tanks are moved from paddock to paddock.
Pastured laying hens were part of the in-pasture learning experience.
Students learned how to assess a pasture for its attributes with the NRCS evaluation tool.
Soil health was a discussion topic as diverse forages had been recently established on soil that previously was used for row crop production. Joe Rorick, Purdue University Cropping Systems Conservation Agronomist, shared what he noted in the soil.
Jason Tower shows students a rising plate meter and an electronic device used to estimate pasture yield productivity.

Swapping Your Silage, AFGC Essay Competition Submission

Posted on December 21, 2021 by

Leave a Comment

Stephanie Newcomer, a student at Northwood High School, submitted an essay to the 2022 American Forage and Grassland Councils “National Youth in Forage Management Essay Competition”. The competition provides an opportunity for youth to write about grazing management or any other subject matter related to forage management. Stephanie has a strong interest in dairy cattle nutrition. Read Stephanie’s submission below!

Swapping Your Sileage – Stephanie Newcomer (full essay)

2021 IFC @ Indiana State Fair

Posted on December 21, 2021 by

Leave a Comment

Several Indiana Forage Council members came to the Indiana State Fair to provide volunteer work at the Indiana Beef Cattle Association’s food tent. It was a good opportunity to network with one another as they made sandwiches for fairgoers. Vice President Sam Stratton was so strong after eating his beef sandwich, that his hand went completely through the sack receiving a sandwich that he had made!

Kevin Smith, Recipient of the 2021 Maurice E. Heath Award

Posted on December 21, 2021 by

Leave a Comment

Keith Johnson (left) and Miles Kuhn (right) present Kevin Smith with the 2021 Maurice E. Heath Award. Kevin was recognized for being an outstanding mentor to Purdue University students that have prepared feature articles for the Indiana Forage Council’s newsletter. Several of Kevin’s colleagues and students were part of the surprise presentation at his Purdue University classroom.

Follow Us

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.