BURTON, Ohio – Horse owners need to start planning now for pasture renovation. Many pastures have suffered from abuse this winter. Mid- to late-April is the ideal time to plant a new pasture crop.
Thinking ahead. It is also an excellent time to start thinking about your hay needs for next winter. Finding a reliable source for hay should be done well in advance of the haying season.
How do you develop a plan to properly renovate your pasture and manage it once it is reestablished? How do you select and purchase quality hay for your horse?
These questions and more will be answered April 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Patterson Center in Burton, when Geauga County OSU Extension presents “Foraging into Spring, Forage Management for Horse Owners.”
About the program. The program will feature Bob Hendershot, NRCS forage specialist. He will cover a variety of topics including soil fertility, variety selection, establishment options and managing your pasture and hay fields for longevity and productivity.
Les Ober from Geauga County OSU Extension, will cover selecting and storing quality hay for your horse.
In the afternoon, the group will tour Elrick Acres in Chardon Township with NRCS district conservationist, Al Bonnis.
He will explain how he developed a management plan which includes pasture rotation, manure storage and all weather turnouts.
The cost for this meeting will be $20 per person or $30 per couple. The registration fee will cover handout materials and lunch.
Deadline. Preregistration by April 12 is required. For more information call Geauga County OSU Extension at 440-834-4656.
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