She also coordinates pasture walks and discussion groups for farmers who use, or are interested in, pasture management. The July pasture walk hosted by the Hayes draws 15 farmers, in addition to Murphy and Flack. Pat Hayes formerly grazed his 70 cows in one big pasture. He has been using management intensive grazing for the past five years and continues to experiment with and improve his methods. Ted Yandow, who dairy farms in St. Albans, speaks passionately about the discussion groups he and many of the farmers attend.
Advice flows tactfully and is received graciously.
Pat Hayes floats his idea about adding a pond, and another farmer passes on a warning from his vet about wildlife parasites. Sarah Flack, tracking the time, herds the group back to the barn. But the discussions continue, now in groups of three and four. Finally, Flack announces next month's walk, and that seems to be the reassurance that removes everyone's reluctance to depart. These questions involve huge social issues.