The optimized use of natural and human resources is important to Ohio's economy. Agriculture commonly employs both of these resources towards the end of generating profit. Where agriculture is involved, so too is the environment. Agriculture that benefits the environment while supporting profitability can bolster local economies on a long term basis.
Thinking of agriculture, in 1986 the Ohio State University Extension agriculture agents of the East District laid down the challenge of finding a way to enhance Appalachian area economies. Their suggestion was to find ways of expanding dairy production for the area. Their basis was recognition of the capacity of the area for forage production while serious limitations to other kinds of farming exist. Dairy cows are excellent converters of forages to readily marketable food products, and the cash flow pattern of a dairy is desirable, so they recommended dairy production.
In response, the team of researchers listed above was assembled to fully explore concepts of dairy farming that would be environmentally sound and profitable for the Appalachian area. Thus, the five-year program established at the Mahoning County Farm was designed to analyze the concepts of intensive grazing and seasonal dairying in the context of Ohio. Little was known about the acceptability of these management concepts in this region, yet they were regarded as a fundamental reason for the highly competitive position of the New Zealand dairy industry. It was logical to begin with these concepts in visualizing a notably enhanced dairy methodology for the United States, especially for Ohio.
The team expresses great appreciation to the Ohio Agricultural
Research and Development Center administration for supporting this
project. Furthermore, the Ohio State University Extension at various
levels of administration was highly interactive and supportive in
terms of personnel sharing. To the many dairy industry people who
watched the project closely, thanks for the encouragement. A special
note of gratitude goes to Dianne Shoemaker, wife of Steve and
Extension Agent for Mahoning and Columbiana Counties, for her
participation in the project ranging from data interpretation to
landscaping of the barn site.