A Pasture Walk/Field Day at Holterholm Farms

Danny and I were fortunate to be able to attend the field day at Holterholm Farms in Franklin County Maryland on August 17, 2013.  Ron Holter and his son, Adam, are good friends of ours and generously opened up their farm.  It was a lovely day to be out amidst the the animals.

Parking in one of Ron's pastures.

Stan Fultz, University of Maryland Dairy Science Agent  (another friend of ours) welcomed everyone and gave the introduction.

As you can see there were a number of people there!

There were a number of excellent speakers present.  Dr. Steve Washburn from North Carolina State University spoke on "Genetics and reproduction for pasture-based systems."

One of Ron's Jerseys came to hear what Dr. Washburn was saying, and to check out these strange creatures who were invading their old pasture. :)

Dr. Paul Dettloff, Organic Valley Staff Veterinarian, spoke on "Cow Health:  What to look for in the grazing cow."  He was a very knowledgeable and compelling speaker.  Though Danny and I feed some grain to our cows, he gave a very eloquent argument for why farmers should reconsider that choice.

Dr. Paul Dettloff speaking.

Ron also has very CUTE little pigs on his farm!  They know just how to look all sad and hungry to try to convince you to give over whatever food you may have...I caved and (with Ron's permission) gave them the leftover bread, lettuce and cheese that had fallen onto the serving tray as people were taking their sandwiches.

 Ron said that I could have one if I could catch it. :)  If only we were set up to bring a few of these guys home... SO CUTE!!

Dale Johnson, University of Maryland Extension Regional Specialist (and yet another friend of ours), spoke on Pasture Poultry, and had lots of good insight on things that are needed versus things that are not really necessary when pasturing poultry.  One example he gave, was that if you have hawk pressure, you do not necessarily need to put netting over the run for the chickens.  You need to make it in a long narrow zig-zag shape so that the hawks are unable to swoop down and grab a chicken.  He also liked the feeder that Ron's son, Adam, has in his chicken tractor because it allows a lot of space for feed while discouraging chickens from roosting on it (because the wires over it are too narrow) so that the chickens will not poop in their feed.

They also had a soil pit set up and a rainfall simulator.  Danny and I didn't make it over to the soil pit, however.

All in all, it was a beautiful day to spend admiring God's creation.

Blessings, grace, and peace to each of you in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory and honor forever.  Amen.