The Graziers Grapevine

In this episode, Cheryl Burns speaks with Caroline Owens, who with her husband Dave owns Owens Farm in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. Caroline is the Certification Director for the American Solar Grazing Association and grazes sheep on three solar sites in central Pennsylvania. Important references from this episode include: American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA)  USDA-NRCS, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands   Additional information about solar grazing in Pennsylvania can be found through Penn State Extension, including the following publication: Sheep Grazing to Maintain Solar Energy Sites in Pennsylvania Also available as a PDF 

In this episode, host Cheryl Burns speaks with Dr. Robert Van Saun, Extension Veterinarian and Professor of Veterinary Science at Penn State University. The focus of this episode is on nutritional deficiencies and issues graziers may experience. Dr. Robert Van Saun’s Extension Directory Page

In this episode, Cheryl Burns speaks with PA Soil Health Coalition Coordinator, Lisa Blazure, about the importance of soil health in grazing systems. Key links referenced during this episode include: PA Soil Health Coalition Stroud Water Research Center Bionutrient Institute    

In this episode, host Cheryl Burns, speaks with Jason McGinnis, chair of Southwest Project Grass about the upcoming 45th Anniversary Conference. To learn more about the conference, visit: https://www.swprojectgrass.com/index.html

In this episode of the Graziers Grapevine, Cheryl Burns is joined by co-host, Jenn Colby, host of the Choosing to Farm podcast, to speak with two individuals participating in apprenticeship and mentoring programs. This collaboration was made possible through the support of the National Grazing Lands Coalition and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. To learn more about the PA GLC mentorship program or the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program, visit the links below: PA GLC Mentorship Program Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (National) Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, DGA program (Pennsylvania)

In this episode, host Cheryl Burns speaks with A.J. O’Neil and Ron Kreiss about the journey of Allegheny Grass-Fed Cooperative from an initial concept through today. To learn more about Allegheny Grass-Fed, visit: https://www.alleghenygrassfed.coop/

The infrastructure and mechanics of farming and grazing are designed for function not necessarily ease of use, especially not for use by a variety of bodies and abilities. In this episode, Cheryl Burns talks with Lori Witmer of Natures Nook Farm in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, about several adaptations she and her family have made to reduce the impact on their bodies.

In 2025 the PA Grazing Lands Coalition will celebrate thirty years of service to graziers through Pennsylvania. This episode kicks off the celebration by taking a look at how it started, impacts within the state and throughout the nation, and perhaps begin the discussion about how to best serve graziers in the future. In this epsiode, host Cheryl Burns speaks with PA GLC Chair, Cliff Hawbaker (Franklin County, PA); former Chair and retired PA GLC Board Member, Tom Calvert (Somerset County, PA); PA GLC Board Member, Titus Martin (Franklin County); and National GLC’s Director of Education & Planning, Kimberli Stine (Nebraska). PA GLC board members, Cliff Hawbaker and Tom Calvert, learning about bison grazing at a pasture walk in 2024.

Graziers Grapevine host, Cheryl Burns, visited Penn State’s Ag Progress Days in August and participated in the grazing demonstrations hosted by USDA-NRCS, including Managing Equine Pastures and Dry Lots and Managing Livestock Pastures with Alternative Forages. This episode features discussion with USDA-NRCS Grazing Specialist, Geri Montgomery; USDA-NRCS Grazing & Equine Specialist, Suzette Truax; USDA-NRCS District Conservationist, Damian Painter; USDA-NRCS Grazing Specialist, Titus Martin; USDA-NRCS State Grazing Specialist, Brian Campbell; and two graziers, Lisa Nicarry from Berks County and Les Vough of York County.

In this episode of the Graziers Grapevine, host Cheryl Burns talks with Russ Wilson (Wilson Land & Cattle Co.) and Josh Greene (Greene Kitchen Farm) about their experiences participating in the PA Grazing Land Coalition’s mentorship program. PA GLC Program Director, Dave Hartman also joins to provide more information about the program itself. To learn more about the program, visit: https://www.paglc.org/mentors/