Eastern Agricultural Research Station
History
The Eastern Agricultural Research Station was established in 1965 through the purchase of a 728-acre block of hilly land near Belle Valley in Noble County. This land, along with 40 acres acquired later on, is known as Unit I. The station's size was significantly increased in 1966, when the Union Carbide Corporation and the Baker-Noon Coal Company donated an additional 1,325 acres that had been extensively strip-mined for coal. This area is known as Unit II and was the subject of land-reclamation experiments through the 1990s.
Research Focus
Eastern Ohio is particularly well suited to the production of forage grasses and legumes, spurring the development of numerous livestock operations in the region. As a result, Appalachian counties produce the bulk of Ohio's beef cattle and have become the center of Ohio's sheep industry. These forage and livestock industries are supported by numerous research projects and trials conducted year-round at Eastern ARS, which also works to optimize the region's vast natural resources and to ensure the sustainability of both agriculture and the environment. Research at the station focuses on management systems that address all aspects involved in successfully running a complete livestock operation.
Effective methods to synchronize estrus (or heat) cycles in beef cattle have been developed and tested at the station. Studies show that using artificial insemination together with estrus-control practices can significantly enhance the breeding efficiency of beef cattle, saving producers time and money. The research station's reproductive management studies have helped set estrus synchronization standards used by industry in Ohio, throughout the United States, and around the world.
Production of quality forages at low costs is a key factor in the profitability of livestock enterprises. Scientists evaluate management schemes that extend the fall grazing season, reducing dependence on mechanically harvested and stored forage and lowering winter feed costs. Researchers are also evaluating alternative feeds, such as distiller's grain (a byproduct of the ethanol industry). Studies conducted at the station have shown that distiller's grains can make up 70-80 percent of the diets of beef cows and sheep, thanks to a nutrition strategy developed at The Ohio State University. Other forage projects include improving pasture quality with different management strategies to control weeds.
Researchers and personnel at Eastern ARS work to match feed resources to beef cow milk production, which helps optimize calf nutrition, health, and development while making beef operations more efficient. Other studies have identified forage mineral deficiencies or overabundance, leading to recommendations for producers and feed companies on reformulation of beef cattle mineral supplements. This work has helped provide better nutrition to cows and has saved farmers money.
Work conducted at Eastern ARS over the years has led to improved management and handling practices intended to maintain cattle in minimal-stress environments. Ohio State animal scientists have developed a curriculum to help reduce injury to both beef cattle and the people who work with them. This animal behavior and facility-design curriculum, which includes corral kits developed at the station, has been used in various states throughout the country.
Outreach and Ohio State University Extension
The research conducted at Eastern ARS is constantly shared with farmers and transferred to the livestock industry. In conjunction with Ohio State Extension specialists, Eastern ARS personnel organize field days and workshops for producers and collaborate with commodity groups and local agencies such as the Soil and Water Conservation District. The station is also involved in youth outreach programs with local schools and the Head Start program.
Contact the station
Eastern ARS
16870 Bond Ridge Rd
Caldwell, OH 43724
Phone: 740-732-2682
Chris Clark, Manager
clark.633@osu.edu
Camille Knapke, Animal Herd Coordinator
Kevin Stottsberry, Manager, Animal Herd
Dalton Huhn, Manager, Animal Herd
Jeremy Mizik, Farm Coordinator 3
Kevin Vanfossen, Research Assistant
Vacant, Farm Coordinator 3