AgriLife specialist: With better hay, it’s possible to reduce or eliminate feeding cubes and other supplements
Writer: Robert Burns, 903-834-6191, rd-burns@tamu.edu
OVERTON – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer a training on hay production and purchasing April 26 at Overton.
Held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton, registration for the training is $60, and includes lunch, break refreshments and program materials.
The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with check in and picking up of program materials. The workshop will adjourn at 5 p.m.
In contrast to 2011, hay supplies are adequate in East Texas, but producers still need to pay close attention to the quality, said Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, AgriLife Extension forage specialist, Overton.
“Over the last 10 to 20 years, many producers have gotten into the habit of purchasing or producing lower-quality hay and relying on feeding (protein) cubes or other supplements,” said Dr. Jason Banta, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, Overton. “By paying more attention to hay quality, producers can reduce or even eliminate the need to feed cubes and other supplements that have greatly increased in price over the last few years.”
Two continuing education units will be offered to Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide license holders — one in the general category and one in integrated pest management.
Registration is limited to 50 people and available online only. Go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu and enter “hay” as the keyword. For help with registering online, contact AgriLife Extension Conference Services at 979-845-2604. For more information on the program, contact Michelle Sensing at 903-834-6191 or amsensing@ag.tamu.edu .
Presentation topics before and after a catered lunch and refreshment breaks will include:
— “Forage species differences: yield potential, cutting time, bale-making characteristics, and forage quality,” Corriher-Olson.
— ”Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture soil survey data to select hay storage site locations,” Banta.
— “Establishment of annual forages and management and fertilization of annual and perennial forages,” Corriher-Olson.
— “Understanding forage quality and hay testing factors affecting forage quality,” Banta.
— “Factors affecting forage quality,” Banta.
— “Weed control,” Corriher-Olson.
— “Bale size and density: pricing and cost per unit of nutrient considerations,” Banta.
— “Storage and feeding,” Banta.
Driving directions to the Overton center be found at http://overton.tamu.edu/info-maps-history/ .
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