In this episode, Cheryl Burns speaks with USDA-NRCS Grazing Specialist, Dr. Kelly Mercier, about grazing summer annuals.

Helpful references mentioned in this episode include:

In addition, here are a few general references:

Video; Sjoerd Duiker, PSU Ext: Beating the Summer Slump on Dairy Farms with No-Till Annuals

Extension Article from 1996: Summer-Annual Grasses for Supplemental or Emergency Forage

Extension Article from 2026: Alternative Forages for Spring and Summer Planting

Lancaster Farming article, 2026: Extend Grazing Season With Summer Annual Forage Types

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

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.

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.

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 begin the discussion about how to best serve graziers in the future.