Last weekend farmers Laura, Mari, and Lauren hightailed it to the Vermont Grass Farmers Association‘s annual Grazing and Livestock Conference in Fairlee. We caught up with colleagues from around the state, attended lectures and workshops, and even “made time” for some graciously donated Strafford ice cream.
It’s really incredible to be reminded of what a supportive, progressive community we have here in the state, producers and consumers alike, we’re lucky to have you!
I always leave events like these feeling so invigorated about what I do. Nothing like a day of collective people power, furthering its stance on such a critical issue to get a girl reviewing grazing plans and plant I.D.s in advance of spring thaws.
To go with my enthusiasm-of-the-moment here, check out this clip, produced by the organization Holistic Management International, on the tremendous importance of grazing animals as nature intended, and the ecological impact it can have. For me, one of the most interesting aspects of all of this grazing jazz, which this clip just touches on, is the simple fact that grasses and ruminant animals (cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, bison, etc) evolved together symbiotically. A grass plant actually gets stronger and healthier when grazed at appropriate intervals–our goats (and in a slightly different way, our pigs and poultry) are building our pastures by eating them, and the more they build them, the more animals our pastures will be able to support. Pretty cool, huh?
If any of this piques your interest, snag one of us next time you’re at the farm stand, we love talking about it!
