Pasture Raised Pioneers

View the project report

Commodities

• Animals: bovine

Practices

• Animal Production: grazing management, grazing - rotational, pasture fertility, rangeland/pasture management, stocking rate, winter forage
• Education and Training: demonstration, youth education
• Soil Management: soil analysis, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil quality/health

Through this grant, students will manage a small group of cattle on a rotational grazing system. The students will participate in moving the cattle to different paddocks within our current 2 acre pasture throughout the year to maximize the growth of beneficial forages and reduce the impact of overgrazing. Students from the high school agriculture program will evaluate and manage the cattle and pasture as well as lead lessons involving elementary students in grades 1-4 at Zane Trace School. Climate resilience, regenerative grazing and nutrient management are all topics that will be taught through this grant project. 

1. Increase rotational grazing and animal husbandry skills among 40 high school agriculture students by involving them in management tasks related to raising a small herd of Jersey females in a dairy/beef crossbred operation at Zane Trace High School. 
2. Provide educational outreach to increase awareness of sustainable agriculture for at least 350 students in grades 1-4 at Zane Trace Elementary through pasture tours and classroom visits. 
3. Introduce high school agriculture students to livestock career opportunities through a visit to the Ohio State Dairy Farm, a local pasture based livestock operation and three guest speakers in class.