Get Ready For Livestock Production

Well, it looks like we dodged a bullet in terms of harsh winter weather this year. Now, with days getting longer and temperatures warming up, it’s time to start shifting farm focus to herd health and forage production.

To help prepare you for the growing season, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in Benton County is offering a “Spring TurnOut Tune-Up” workshop on April 1. The program will be held at the Benton County Fairgrounds ( 7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd) with registration and time to visit vendor booths beginning at 1 p.m. and presentations starting at 2 p.m.

Throughout the early afternoon, sessions will focus on animal health and feeding. Topics range from horn fly control, vaccinations and timely animal health practices to mineral programs, updates on the new Veterinary Feed Directive and antibiotic feeding options. The late-afternoon portion centers around pasture management with presentations on fescue impacts on animal performance, planning for 300 days of grazing and tips for balage and silage production. The program will conclude with dinner provided by Arvest Bank at 6 p.m.

There is no cost to participate in this program and all are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Johnny Gunsaulis, County Extension Agent – Staff Chair by phone at 479-2711060 or through e-mail at jgunsaulis@uaex.edu.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. KATI TEAGUE, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE.