Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council Offers Grazing Management Support To Livestock Producers

On February 3, the Capital Resource Conservation and Development Council based in Carlisle, Cumberland County announced it is offering support for agricultural producers who want to use managed livestock grazing to provide benefits to livestock, soil health, water quality, the farmer and the farm’s bottom line. 

Twenty-five years ago, grazing methods returned to popularity, but information was limited. There are considerably more resources available now, but it can be difficult to know what methods, infrastructure, and livestock options will work best in any one farm operation. 

Grazing Advisors through Capital RC&D’s Grazing Advisor program can help new and experienced farmers evaluate this information and implement practices to help graziers succeed.

Capital RC&D’s Grazing Advisor program started in 2008 with a focus to provide one-to-one technical advice to graziers throughout Pennsylvania, all at no cost to the farmer. 

Capital RC&D expanded the grazing advisor team in 2020 to include four advisors, including: Ann Basehore, Donna Foulk, Duane Hertzler, and Titus Martin. 

Together, they have over 90 years of experience in pasture management and grazing of dairy and beef herds, small ruminants, and equine. 

The advisors are available to work with graziers throughout the Susquehanna river watershed and can help with livestock, pasture and soil health, as well as infrastructure and record keeping. 

They can also provide support when transitioning from confinement or to more managed grazing systems.

Additional information about the grazing advisor program and the advisors is available on the Capital RC&D Grazing Support webpage, including a recent Capital RC&D Conservation Podcast episode, Capital RC&D Grazing Advisors, An Introduction to the Advisors Supporting Grazing in the Region and related informational videos.

Capital RC&D’s Grazing Advisor Program is funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grant and in collaboration with the Stroud Water Research Center and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 

Questions about the grazing advisor program can be directed to Susan Richards at Capital RC&D at 717-241-4361 or via email to: srichards@capitalrcd.org. 

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and more, visit the Capital Resource Conservation and Development Council website.

[Posted: February 3, 2021]  PA Environment Digest