By: Nathan Dewing, Agricultural Team Leader
Conditions get tough for managing livestock in the winter.  It can be stressful for animals, farmers, and our natural resources.  Let’s consider steps to dramatically decrease cold snap stress.
If a farmer can cut the wind and give his animals a solid place to land their feet, our winter temps will cause little stress.  If relatively dry with a barrier against bitter wind, our animals like 15 degrees F, better than 90 degrees.

​By: Nathan Dewing, Agricultural Team Leader
Local farmers are receiving a new wave of “house calls” from Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  These calls create some anxiety, so let’s try to get some background on where they are coming from.

By: Tori Bristol, Dirt and Gravel Roads Specialist

Last week we talked about The Mighty Oak Tree, and this week we are focusing on how to collect and plant acorns to successfully grow them. “The best time to plant an oak tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today.” 

​By: Nathan Dewing, Agricultural Team Leader, Bradford County Conservation District
Life is drawn to water.  We all can relate to that.  Land bordering waterways and waterbodies is teaming with life.  Riparian is a term literally meaning “riverbank”, or land beside the water.  How we manage our riparian land has far reaching effects.  Therefore, the conservation district gives considerable attention to equipping landowners to manage them well. 
Current focus on the Chesapeake Bay watershed is opening many opportunities for landowners wishing to improve riparian areas, including grant funding, plant materials, and more.

​An Excerpt from Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Management Program
Nutrient management traditionally has been concerned with optimizing the economic returns from nutrients used to produce a crop. More recently, nutrient management also has begun to address ways to minimize the negative impact of nutrients on the environment.
Programs such as the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Nutrient Management Act in Pennsylvania have focused attention on improving nutrient management on Commonwealth farms.

 ​By: Nathan Dewing, Agricultural Team Leader
     The abundant grass crop in Bradford County leaves growers considering their options for managing it.  Harvest for storage as livestock feed is the most common decision, but it’s not the only one.   Many acres are used for wildlife food and cover.  And many acres are harvested another way – by grazing livestock.
     Grazing is often considered an efficient means of harvesting grass because it can be done with little or no power equipment.  Many grazers say that livestock have four legs for a reason – so they can go harvest their own food!  At a minimum, the infrastructure needed to make this happen is a fence and some water.  The last article explored decisions involved with supplying water.  Now let’s consider the fence.
     A producer first ought to ask the question “Could this be done without a fence?”  There might be a way and innovators should keep exploring possibilities.  For now however, the answer overwhelmingly is “You will need a fence.”

​By: Nathan Dewing, Agricultural Team Leader

​Bradford County farm fields are made for grass.  Our grass covered hill fields can develop highly productive soil while contributing virtually no sediment to waterways; two reasons it is the primary crop for our food producers.  Bradford county grass has been used to produce milk and meats for generations, and grazing can be one of the most efficient means of harvest.
Water supply in grazing systems can make or break production efficiency, so let’s examine some of the key factors involved.

By: Nathan Dewing, Agricultural Team Leader, Bradford County Conservation District
     Grazing season has arrived which means farmers and animals alike kick their heels in glee!  Supplemental feeding in the pasture, barn, or barnyard is expensive, labor intensive and stressful, so all are relieved to see the animals get out onto green pastures again.
     Grazers, what is one step you can take this year to make your operation more efficient or productive?  This is a good way to think about it.  When you think about all the things you want to do, you may get overwhelmed and stuck.  Selecting ONE allows progress.  Let me suggest one to get you thinking.

By: Nathan Dewing, Agricultural Team Leader, Bradford County Conservation District
     Sustainable food production and distribution is getting people’s attention today.  Thankfully, we have had leaders among us who haven’t taken this for granted.  Let’s remember some.