Dairy Grazing Pasture Walk at Houston Farms
Event Details
Date
June 27, 2023
Time
1pm-3pm
Location
Houston Farms
81 Sincerbeaux Rd
Groton, Ny 13073
Host
South Central NY Dairy & Field Crops Program
Mary Kate MacKenzie
email Mary Kate MacKenzie

Learn how rotational grazing and other conservation practices enhance farm viability for the 4th and 5th generations on a small dairy in Groton, NY.
Join the South Central NY Dairy and Field Crops Team for a pasture walk at Houston Farms in Groton, NY, where fourth generation dairy farmer PJ Houston and his son, Robert, manage 600 crop acres and 150 milking cows plus youngstock. Over the years, the farm has adopted conservation practices that improve cattle health and productivity, labor efficiency, and quality of life for the farmers, all while enhancing soil health and generating environmental benefits in the Owasco Lake Watershed. The Houstons view rotational grazing and other conservation practices as critical to their farm's long-term viability and its ability to support the next generation.
At this free event, you will learn how the Houstons manage their rotational grazing system to supplement the dairy ration during the grazing season. We will also discuss how the farm has benefitted from other conservation practices, including:
- Reduced tillage cropping systems
- Cover cropping & crop rotation
- Covered barnyard connecting freestall barns to the parlor
- Above ground manure storage
Natural resource program specialists Paul Gier and Devon Cox from the Tompkins County Soil & Water Conservation District will be present to share information and answer questions. Paul and Devon will discuss how farmers can connect with their local county Soil & Water Conservation District to learn more about conservation practices and access grant funding.
For more information, visit https://scnydfc.cce.cornell.edu/events.php or email mkw87@cornell.edu.
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Following the buffet dinner, a short business meeting will kick off the evening. We will then move to the roundtable discussion.
Announcements
Transition Heifer Calf Program
Join us for this hand-on program and demos! We will be offering this program in English and in Spanish.Calf and heifer managers, dairy herdspersons, farm owners, and heifer raisers interested in learning more about how to better house and manage animals as they transition from the calf phase to the weaned heifer phase.
Topics covered:
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Housing Management
Inventory Management
Biosecurity: All attendees must wear clean clothes and boots. You will be required to scrub and disinfect footwear upon arrival to the program and before leaving.
Registration: $25 per person (includes lunch)