Grazing councils are an excellent way to learn more about many aspects of grazing and livestock production. Grazing councils allow you to see and hear first hand how MIG is being practiced in your area. Experienced graziers are more than willing to share their expertise with you. In many areas of Ohio, local grazing councils meet monthly for pasture walks during the growing season. The pasture walks are conducted on area farms that are practicing grazing. There are many useful ideas and tricks of the trade to be learned from innovative farmers in your area. Your local Ohio State University Extension office will be able to help you find grazing councils in your area.
Ohio State University Extension conducts grazing schools and other educational events for producers interested in improving their MIG knowledge level. The grazing schools are multi-session events intended for persons from beginner to moderate knowledge. County Extension offices will have schedules of school dates in your area.
Amazing Graze is a bi-monthly newsletter written for Ohio livestock producers interested in grazing. It contains timely topics featuring research from Ohio and the mid-west region. Contact your OSU Extension Office to be placed on the mailing list for Amazing Graze.
The Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council is a new organization dedicated to enhancing the profitability of Ohio farmers through the use of forage and grasslands resources. It's objectives are: 1) Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, problems, opportunities, and solutions in forage animal agriculture. 2) Encourage research, education, and service efforts to improve forage production, utilization, and marketing. 3) Represent a collective voice for issues affecting forage animal agriculture. 4) Develop present and future leaders in the forage industry.
For information on joining the Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council contact: Ed Vollborn, OSU Extension P.O. Box 958 Jackson, Ohio 45640-0958 Ph. 614-286-2177.
This publication is intended to provide an introduction to the basic concepts involved in Management-Intensive Grazing. There are numerous books and publications available for further in-depth information. Some of the most popular sources of further information are:
The Stockman Grass Farmer
PO Box 2300
Ridgeland, MS 39158-2300
Greener Pastures On Your Side Of The Fence
Bill Murphy, 3rd Edition
Arriba Publishing, 212 Middle Rd.
Colchester, Vermont 05446
Grass Productivity
Andre' Voisin
Island Press, Washington D.C.
Intensive Grazing Management
Burt Smith
The Graziers Hui, Hawaii
Forage-Animal Management Systems, Bulletin 86-7
Roy Blaser, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Beef Cattle Grazing Management, mimeograph
Stephen Boyles, Ohio State University Extension
Columbus, Ohio
Extending Forage Availability to Develop Year-Round Grazing
Ohio Department of Agriculture, & Ohio State University Extension
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Agronomy Guide, Bulletin 472, 13th Edition
Ohio State University Extension
Columbus, Ohio
Pastures for Profit, Bulletin A3529
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Madison, Wisconsin