Press Release

Seeds for Success: Sustainable Grazing Conference at Wilburton April 30 – May 1

On April 30 – May 1, Eastern Oklahoma State College will host trailblazing ranchers Walt Davis, Wes Downing, and Kit Pharo at the second annual “Seeds for Success” grazing conference in Wilburton.

Walt Davis switched his southeastern Oklahoma ranch from high-input to ecologically based management in the early 1970s.  The ranch has used no purchased fertilizer, and few pesticides, in the past 20 years, yet soil productivity continues to increase.

A past president of Holistic Resource Management of both Oklahoma and Texas, Davis will speak on ““Hard Time Economics and Grazing Management.”

Kit Pharo has taken his eastern Colorado ranch through a similar transformation from high-production to high-profit management.  With his wife Deanna and son Tyson, he now sells Black and Red Angus bulls with genetics that fit low-input production.

Pharo also publishes a widely-read bimonthly newsletter discussing his management principles of rotational grazing, calving in sync with nature, and raising cattle that can survive on the ranch’s own resources. He will discuss cattle genetics in relation to these principles.

Wes Downing raises all-natural pastured beef, pork, and poultry in northeastern Oklahoma.  His talk will detail Downing Family Farms’ experiences with marketing these products, both direct to customers and through retail outlets.

In addition to these speakers, the conference will feature two breakout sessions.  One will cover the basics of electric fencing, while the other will offer a tour of EOSC’s Meats Processing Lab.

Conference registration costs $200 and includes meals and an electronic copy of the proceedings.  RSVP with a $50 deposit by April 16 to Troy Walker, Eastern Oklahoma State College, 1301 West Main, Wilburton, OK 74578.  

For more information or to register, call Walker at 918.448.7300.  Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

The “Seeds for Success” conference is sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

Proceeds from the “Seeds for Success” conference are used to incorporate new ideas, extend educational opportunities for Eastern students, and improve management practices on the Eastern Oklahoma State College Learning Farm.

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