By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

OWENSVILLE, Ohio — Pasture management, water quality and animal health are hot topics these days, and to address these issues The Ohio State University extension in Clermont County will hold a Horse and Pasture Management School Aug. 13.
The gathering will be from 5:30-9 p.m. at the 4-H Hall Ag Center at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville. Topics include “Being a Good Neighbor – Maintaining Water Quality and Fence Law Updates.”

“Water quality is what a farmer can do for himself as well as for his neighbor,” said Lori Hillman, soil conservationist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Clermont and presenter of this topic. “One doesn’t normally get a lot of complaints in our area and most neighbors are able to work things out when a problem arises. But there have been a few farms with a water quality issue.

“Here in Clermont County we have lots of horse farms and when the animals graze a lot in the pasture, the grass is shortened and we see a lot of runoff with heavy rains, so it can be a hot issue.”
Clermont County extension specialist Latham Farley will provide guests with fence law updates.

“Whenever you have a fence you’re likely to have disputes of some kind,” he said. “Of concern is which party has the responsibility of the upkeep of the fence. But the biggest question most have is what kind of fence to erect, and then there’s always the questions about property lines.”

Although there are many fence varieties on the market, Farley suggests using wire: an outer perimeter fence and an inner electric fence.

“Some go with the wood, but the wire is the less expensive way to go,” Farley said. “Much depends on what kind of animal you plan to keep.”

Bob Hendershot, also with the NRCS, will talk about small acreage pasture establishment and renovation, while local veterinarian Kelly Liming will answer any animal issue questions.

The workshop will include exhibits by the Hamilton Soil and Water Conservation District and six other county vendors. For more information about this gathering contact Susie Steffensen at 513-732-7075.