Capturing Sunlight, Book 2: Topics for Modern Graziers. from Pasture Walks, Mob Grazing, & Nutrition to New Forages & Toxic Plants

We CAN create great pastures!

But how much knowledge and money does it take? It’s easy to spend money, but how often do we have second thoughts about it afterwards? Where can we find solid, science-based information that applies to our fields, together with practical guidelines about making things work?

This book will help. Good, no-nonsense information in practical settings, based on science. Basic and advanced topics. Short, easy-to-read chapters. And a little bit of humor.

Here are some of the topics: How to select forages, descriptions of various species — grasses, legumes, herbs like chicory and plantain. Intensive grazing, pasture walks, discussion groups, mob grazing, ration supplements as fertilizer. Common forage health issues — bloat, nitrates, estrogens, tannins, parasites. Livestock nutrition — starch, acidosis, brix, fiber, unusual grazing animals like hoatzin, kangaroos, and termites. Toxic species in pastures, including mushrooms, hemlock, oaks, ergot, blue-green algae. Soil fungi, the mycorrhizae. Endophyte fungus in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Unusual topics related to forages — martial arts, pasture as a waltz, easy keepers, grazing in Manhattan, John Lennon. Stories with relevance – such as how do the Salem witch trials give us a warning about today’s no-till farming? Who is this book for? Farmers, ranchers, farm advisors, professors, teachers, government personnel, students of all flavors — college and high school. Anyone, anywhere, interested in forages, pastures, grazing, or sustainable agriculture.

My background includes a Ph.D. from Cornell University in animal nutrition, a few years as a college professor, and more than 30 years as a private consultant working with farmers and ranchers, especially with their pastures.

This book — a companion to my Book 1 — describes additional tools and solid information for the art and science of forage management.

It’s a true pleasure to read. Get your copy today.