Hello! Thank you for tuning into the Barnyard Broadcast! On this episode, we will be chatting about forages and pasture management! Our guests today are Gabe Francisco, Erin Cuprinka, and Justin Brackenrich. Please check out their bios below! As always, if you have any questions about forages or pasture management or any other livestock topic, please reach out to your local livestock educator or visit extension.psu.edu. I will also link some of the resources that are available that were referenced in the episode!

The Penn State Agronomy Guide: https://extension.psu.edu/the-penn-state-agronomy-guide

Southern Forages: Modern Concepts for Forage Crop Management by C. S. Hoveland, Donald M. Ball, and Garry D. Lacefield

When Weeds Talk by Jay McCaman

Guest Bios

Gabe Francisco - Gabe Francisco serves as the Livestock and Grazing Specialist for the Van Buren Conservation District and the Van Buren NRCS. A fifth-generation Michigan farmer, Gabe is also the owner of Thunderfoot Farms, a small pasture-based farm where he rotationally grazes a diverse array of livestock, including sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, rabbits, and two teams of oxen, alongside a draft horse. Thunderfoot Farms is Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verified and holds the distinction of being the first "Certified Naturally Grown" farm in the state of Michigan for both its livestock and pastures. Gabe is also actively involved in several agricultural organizations, serving on the board of directors for the Michigan Sheep Producers, Michigan Family and Farm Food Systems, and the United States Texel Breeders Society. Additionally, Gabe is a co-founder of "A Common Pasture," a regional pasture-based pork producer's co-op in Southwestern Michigan.

Erin Cuprinka- Erin Cuprinka is a Penn State Extension Field and Forage Crops Educator based at the Mercer County Office. Erin grew up on a dairy farm and currently resides with her husband and three children on their crop farm. She has a BS in Biology from Penn State University and an MS in Agricultural and Extension Education from West Virginia University. In her previous employment, Erin worked extensively with start-up agricultural enterprises, conservation practices, and nutrient management. She is dedicated to promoting agriculture in the region and working to ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of the region’s many viable farming operations.

Justin Brackenrich- Justin grew up in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, where he was involved in beef, sheep, and poultry production. Justin’s draw to agriculture came from his parents' work with the WV USDA NRCS and his involvement in his local FFA. After graduating from high school, he attended Potomac State College of West Virginia University, where he studied Animal and Nutritional Sciences and Agribusiness Management. He received his Bachelors of Science in Agriculture at West Virginia University in Animal and Nutritional Sciences. He then continued to receive a Master’s of Science in Plant and Soil Science with a focus on phosphorus management. Justin spent three years as a graduate student and researcher at WVU before joining Penn State in 2017.

Photo credit: Gordon Harkins