Week Nine with Extension by Emily Stamper

 

Interns at the commodity classic

This week was a pretty easy going week, especially after last week’s fair. On Monday we had our weekly connection where we learned about regenerative agriculture on a global scale. Samala, Heather, and I led a great discussion with the group. On Tuesday, we had a lot of work to do at WMREC. We put up a ton of temporary fencing in our pastures to subdivide them, as well as taking forage samples. I then weighed the previous week's forage samples that were finished drying. Wednesday, we weighed Jersey calves for the last time of the internship. On Thursday, we got to head down to the shore for the Commodity Classic. It was a great opportunity to learn about transition plans and deer management as well as talk to many exhibitors and network. We listened to Scott Shelladay, the “Cow Guy”, and then had a crab and bbq feast to end the day. Friday, we switched our herds to their new section of pasture and then I finished up some office work.

listening to the speakers at the commodity classic

In our weekly connection we talked about soil health and that is a big thing that we have talked about with our mentors. One reason for rotational grazing is that it helps support soil health. When a pasture is overgrazed, it takes a lot more for that plant to recover. When you rotationally graze, it helps the plants establish better roots, grow back faster, and it allows for better coverage in the pasture of good plants to outgrow weeds. Soil health is very important because it is ultimately what is providing nutrition and structure for plants to grow. 

 Cheyanne weighing Jersey calves

As we wind down to the last week of our internship, I just want to say how thankful I am for this opportunity. I have learned so much and got to meet so many new people. Thank you to all those who have shared with me your knowledge throughout these past few weeks. A special thanks to Jeff, Sarah, and Amanda for being incredible mentors and supporters!

The flerd at WMREC