The Mountains-to-Bay Grazing Alliance, Northeast Pasture Consortium, and University of Maryland Extension jointly hosted a Mid-Atlantic Grazing Conference for grazers, livestock owners, farmers, and associated industry partners to attend/.

Overview¶

The Mid-Atlantic Grazing Conference was held over two and half days on December 16-18, 2024 at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center in Boonsboro, MD and virtually. This conference featured keynote speaker Burke Teichert, as well as research panel presentations, farm tours, and a dinner highlighting Maryland graziers.

December 16th: Farm Tours

A small group toured several local farms, including a pasture-based cow-calf operation on historic Antietam National Battlefield, an organic grazing dairy with an on-farm store, and a grass-based goat dairy producing farmstead cheeses and utilizing virtual fencing systems.

Downloadable PDF schedule for the farm tour

December 17th: Northeast Pasture Consortium Day

Met at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center for a day of learning, including educational and research presentations on managing pastures in extreme conditions, methane emissions from grazing animals, research highlights from WMREC, a poster session, and brainstorming research and education priorities for the region. Ended the day with a dinner highlighting Maryland graziers and time for networking and questions.

December 18th: Mountains-to-Bay Grazing Alliance Day

Met at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center to hear from keynote speaker Burke Teichert. Burke Teichert was born and raised on a family ranch in western Wyoming and has degrees in ag business and ag economics. His work history includes serving as a University faculty member, cattle reproduction specialist, and manager of seven cattle ranches for Deseret Land and Cattle Co. In retirement, he is a consultant and speaker, passing on his expertise in organizing ranches to be cost-effective and efficient with minimal labor requirements.