On August 20th, we hosted a pasture walk at Grassy Acres Horse Retreat, owned by Elaine Miller. The event focused on plant/root physiology, mud management, conservation practices, grazing sticks, forage calculations, weed identification, and poisonous plants.

Previously, Soil and Water has assisted Grassy Acres Horse Retreat with various conservation programs. In 2013, Elaine Miller received the Clermont Soil and Water Cooperator of the Year award for her dedication to conservation efforts on her property. Over the years, she has implemented numerous projects through the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), with four contracts funded in 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2013. These projects included installing a manure storage facility, dry hydrants, an access road, a heavy use area, and waterers.

OSU Extension played a crucial role in organizing the event. Gigi Neal, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator at Clermont County OSU Extension, led a session on soil testing pastures. Christine Gelley, an Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator at Noble County OSU Extension, presented on plant and root physiology and forage calculation, including using grazing sticks. Sara Masteller, an Associate Professor from OSU ATI in Equine programs, conducted a session on forage and poisonous plant identification.

Interested in other horse related programs? Go to https://forages.osu.edu/events to see upcoming events hosed by OSU extension!

Contacts:

• Gigi Neal – neal.331@osu.edu
• Christine Gelley – gelley.2@osu.edu
• Sara Masteller – mastellar.1@osu.edu
• Jake Hahn – jhahn@clermontcountyohio.gov
• Amanda Best – abest@clermontcountyohio.gov

Resources:

• Soil Testing
  • https://clermont.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-testing-and-plant-samples
• Use a Grazing Stick to Measure Forages
  • https://u.osu.edu/sheep/2024/04/23/use-a-grazing-stick-to-measure-forages/
• Using Pasture Measurement to Improve Your Management
  • https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/11-HCS-868
• Solutions for Small-Scale Farms
  • https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/solutions-for-small-scale-farms
• Manure Manners
  • https://www.clermontswcd.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/manure-manners-web.pdf

Equine pasture, nutrition, and parasite resources:

• Plants Poisonous or Injurious to Horses
  • https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/1028
• Evaluating Body Composition of Horses
  • https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/as-1024
• The Gastrointestinal Tract of the Horse
  • https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/1022
• Water for Horses
  • https://ansci.osu.edu/sites/ansci/files/imce/files/Factsheets/Water%20for%20Horses%20Factsheet%20AS-H-10-24.pdf
• The Role of Macronutrients in Equine Nutrition
  • https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/1023
  • Carbohydrates Are Not All Created Equal
    • https://ansci.osu.edu/sites/ansci/files/imce/files/Factsheets/Horse%20Rations%20-%20Carbohydrates%20AS-H-13-25.pdf
• The Role of Micronutrients in Equine Nutrition
  • https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/1021
• Equine Internal Parasites
  • https://ansci.osu.edu/sites/ansci/files/imce/files/Factsheets/Equine%20Internal%20Parasites%20-%20Factsheet%20AS-H-1-22%20Final%20with%20static%20pictures.pdf
• Equine Parasite Control Methods
  • https://ansci.osu.edu/sites/ansci/files/imce/files/Factsheets/Equine%20Parasite%20Control%20Methods%20-%20Fact%20Sheet%20AS-H-2-22%20A%20%205-15-2023%20%20Final.pdf

About Ohio State ATI:

• Follow the ATI Equine Center on Facebook
  • https://www.facebook.com/ATIEquineCenter
• Equine degrees at Ohio State ATI:
  • Horse Production & Management (AAS)
    • https://ati.osu.edu/horse-production-management
  • Horse Specialization (AS)
    • https://ati.osu.edu/animal-sciences/horse-specialization
• Program 60
  • https://ati.osu.edu/ATI_Academic_Courses/program-60
• General information about Ohio State ATI
  • https://ati.osu.edu/