Pasture-Based Dairy: Restorative Grazing Strategies
Long DeLite Farm; Williamsport, MD

Held in partnership with Future Harvest - Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
10am - 2pm
Free of Charge. Registration is Limited & RSVP is required. Lunch is provided.
RSVP to Alice Chalmers, 443-243-2998 or [email protected]
Come spend the day on this eighth generation dairy in Western Maryland. Part of the Maryland Grazer’s Network (managed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation), Long DeLite farm transitioned to pasture based dairy, converting crop land into improved pasture. Join Brooks Long for some time out standing in the field, looking at strategies around common sense sustainable pasture based dairying. Included will be discussion and observation of best management practices implemented utilizing Farm Bill cost share programs such as EQIP and a Conversion Grant Program sponsored by University of Maryland Extension, Washington County Soil Conservation District and Maryland Department of Agriculture.
How can dairymen manage their land resources in order to reduce input costs without severely sacrificing production, all the while enhancing environmental stewardship.
The discussion during the morning walk in the field will be continued when we return to the farmstead headquarters for lunch and facilitated discussion with the Maryland Grazers Network.
The material presented on this day will help you identify methods and practices that could help you address priorities on your farm.
About the Presenters
Brooks Long is a seventh generation dairy farmer who has recently taken over the operation from his father. His father and grandfather still live on the farm and lend a hand when needed. Brooks, his wife Katie and their young children milk sixty cows on their 160 acre farm.
Jim Schlossnagle is the Gazing Conversion Grant coordinator. Prior to accepting this position he served as the NRCS District Conservationist for Washington County. Jim has over thirty years experience in working with farmers on soil conservation and environmental issue.
Rob Schnabel is a Restorative Scientist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation but today Rob is sporting two of his other hats as a Future Harvest CASA board member and a Maryland Grazer Network facilitator along with Michael Heller.
Special Note
Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes. Morning refreshments will be provided by Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit. Parking on the farm will be available and yellow Pasture Walk signs will guide you to the farm from the Main Road Maryland Route 68.

Funds provided through grant support from National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) and sponsorship from the Maryland Grazers Network.
Click here for directions, available on the Google Maps page.
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