"We enjoy our cattle and give them the best care possible" said Barb and Rich Ewing, who own and operate Lenox Pinzgauer Farm on East Union Road in Lenox Township. "After much research, we settled on the unusual breed of beef cattle known as Pinzgauers," they added. Their farm is named after the cattle that are all registered animals with their breed association.

One of their important practices on this farm is rotational grazing for the cattle in the summer time. With this system, they have seven pasture lots that the cattle graze. They are left in a lot five to seven days, then moved on to a fresh one. This provides excellent grazing nearly all summer long for the cattle. In a hot, dry summer like this one, they will supplement the pastures with hay starting in mid to late August.

Special pasture mixes are used that include different grasses and legumes. With early spring growth, some pastures may need to be cut for hay to avoid becoming too mature for good feed. Rotation grazing takes good management and Rich has a good system to keep pastures from getting too mature.

Water and shade are available in all the lots at all times. Rich says it is essential to provide both of these for cow comfort. If their cattle are experiencing fly problems or too much heat, they have access to the barn where it is darker and cooler.

The Ewings farm 300 acres where they grow corn, oats or wheat, soybeans and about 120 acres of hay plus the pastures and woods. Nearly all the grain except soybeans is fed to the farm animals. They have what is called a cow-calf operation that includes 18 brood cows, 15 small calves and 11 larger feeder calves that will be sold for meat this fall or early winter.

Excellent pasture generally provides enough food for the brood cows during the spring, summer and fall. Feeder calves are fed a grain mix that includes their own corn and oats distillers grain molasses, salt and a mineral supplement. The grain is specially formulated to provide what the feeders need and finish them for market.

All feeders are sold when they are ready this fall. Local buyers, including those nearby and from the Cleveland -Akron area, like the lean, tender, good tasting meat from these cattle. "We have good demand for our beef," Barb says.

"We check the herd at least once a day and sometimes more often if needed," Rich says. "If an animal comes up lame for some reason or other problems show up, we want to take care of the problem now," he added. Each cow has a name and both Rich and Barb know the cows by name. This is possible on smaller livestock farms in the county.

Barb also keeps close track of when each cow will freshen and plans to be with them when their calf is due. Sometimes when a larger calf is coming, she has to help the cow give birth and is not afraid to do what is necessary.

Another important asset on this farm are the two Australian-Shepherd Border Collie mix dogs that help work the cattle. With hand directions from the Ewings, these dogs have an uncanny sense of what to do. They are fun to watch.

Barb and Rich both expressed concern about what groups, such as animal rights activists, are trying to do with our food supply. Like many people, they are concerned that these groups can cause a food shortage in the future.

Ashtabula County has many farms small ands large. The Ewings are an excellent example of one of the smaller ones and they are all needed regardless of size.