By Tracy Turner
Livestock producers can learn the latest updates in the beef and forage industry during a workshop offered by experts with Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences during a workshop Aug. 28 in Jackson. Topics will include broadleaf weed management, beef cattle handling, animal care, and fence building and construction.
The Jackson Beef and Forage Field Night will include the opportunity for beef cattle producers to have an up-close look at how to build a fence that can hopefully last a lifetime, said Kenny Wells, manager of the Jackson Agricultural Research Station. The research station is part of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) and has been a primary site for reproductive and production management research in beef cattle for more than three decades.
Research in forage management systems done at the research station has contributed to the grazing approaches used by many producers today, Wells said.
"A goal of the workshop is to provide a wide variety of programs of interest to beef cattle producers," he said. "Participants will be able to focus on weed control, which is a serious issue that all producers face.
"Participants will also be able to hear about livestock facility design and cattle handing, which is an important topic as producers will continue to face increased scrutiny on livestock care."
The event will feature presentations from Ohio State University Extension and OARDC researchers and educators, including Steve Boyles, Jeff Fisher, Mark Loux, Justin Spengler and Jeff Moore.
OSU Extension and OARDC are the outreach and research arms, respectively, of the college.
Topics for the field night include:
- Beef cattle handling and facilities design
- Controlling spiny amaranth
- Building functional long-lasting fence braces
"Producers will find that this is a great networking opportunity and place to learn from other producers and the speakers," Wells said. "I can't imagine someone who comes to the program won't walk away with information that can have a positive impact on their financial bottom line."
The workshop is from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Jackson Agricultural Research Station is located at 019 Standpipe Road, in Jackson. The event, which will include dinner, is $5 per person, with a deadline to register Aug. 25.
Source : purdue.edu