I recently had an opportunity to take a small group of farmers on an afternoon pasture walk to Russ Wilson's, a local grazer near Knox. We were there to learn about his pasture system, moving animals four or more times a day, stockpiled forages, cover crops and his ability to graze animals about 300 days per year. All this without any haymaking equipment.

Naturally, the question came up about dealing with spring flush, since he doesn't clip his pasture, on handling the sudden on slot of grass.

His answer: “I buy more cows.” The obvious follow up question was quickly asked, “What do you do when the grass slows down?” It didn't take him long to respond; “I sell cows.”

Russ went onto explain a typical grazing operation focuses on the cows throughout the year and tries to manipulate the environment around them to make money, whereas you should be focusing on the one constant on your farm: grass.

By manipulating the animals and your grazing strategies based on how your grass is performing, you'll ultimately target optimum performance and in turn see high stocking rates and better production.

Headwaters RC&D will be hosting a two-day event Sept. 4 and 5 to illustrate these principles.

Experience firsthand best management practices that have been successful on a 130-acres of pasture raising cattle, sheep, goats, hogs and poultry, by actively applying adaptive management techniques to ensure economic viability.

Intensive rotational grazing and higher stocking densities are among the more important practices used on the farm. Livestock graze stockpiled pasture as long as weather permits to reduce inputs, improve soil health, maintain livestock health, and produce a high quality product. Multi-species cover crops are used to jump-start soil biology and improve productivity.

Special guest will be Greg Brann, NRCS Grazing Lands and Soil Health Specialist and multi-species grazier from Tennessee, who farms 320 acres of pasture using beef cows, stockers, goats and hair sheep.

Brann has authored and co-authored many publications including “Fencing for Serious Grazers” and “Meat Goats: Reproduction, Nutrition and Health” and has been featured on the television show “Out on the Land.”

You will see a truly well managed, authentic grass-based farm where attention to natural biological principles has improved the soil, lowered inputs and revived the enterprise.

Sept. 4 will feature an evening pasture walk with Wilson and Brann.

Sept. 5 revolves around using livestock as the driving force to improve the land and increase earning potential. A farm tour will feature and discuss grazing management, reducing inputs, soil health, manure recycling, multispecies grazing, grazing cover crops, fence considerations, water systems, forage varieties, cattle genetics, parasites, and much more.

Make reservations before Aug. 25 to Headwaters RC&D Council, Attn: Brittany Dittemore, 109 N. Brady St., 2nd Floor, DuBois, PA 15801, 814-503-8653, Ext. 11; or to www.headwaterspa.org.

Finally, I'd like to add I've been to Russ Wilson's several times and every time I'm there I learn something new and could write several articles on the innovations he has implemented on his farm. If you have the opportunity it's well worth the $30 for the Saturday event. Friday's evening walk is free.

Russ is probably the most progressive, innovative grazer that I have met and having his knowledge this close to Butler County is something everyone within driving distance should take advantage of.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.