Seventeen area livestock producers are participating in a multi-agency grazing program in the Leatherwood Creek Watershed. Conservation practices proven to improve water quality are implemented on grazing farms. More than 2,000 acres of pasture land are involved.
Farmers receive cost-share dollars to develop water sources and correct fertility on pasture land.
For area farmers to maintain economic viability, they must consider expanding, cutting costs, improving production, or improving marketing. Last year OSU Extension organized tours to Missouri and Pennsylvania that were partially grant funded. More than 100 area producers participated, with more turned down. Evaluation of the tours resulted in a rating of 4.39, based on 5 being the highest possible rating. Participants listed numerous practice changes that they plan to implement as a result of what was learned.