Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Pascual Hernandez, 325-387-3101, p-hernandez@tamu.edu
SONORA – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct the multi-county Ranching in the 21st Century Workshop from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m Oct. 29 at the Sutton County Civic Center in Sonora.
The workshop will cover several wildlife and ranching topics of regional interest, said Pascual Hernandez, AgriLife Extension agent in Sutton County, but will also explore wise use of antibiotics and other livestock health aids.
The program is being conducted by the AgriLife Extension offices in Sutton, Schleicher and Crockett counties.
Individual preregistration is $20 by Oct. 21 and $25 thereafter. The fee includes lunch, refreshments and program materials. RSVP by calling the AgriLife Extension office in Sutton County at 325-387-3101.
Two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units in the general category will be available for current private applicator license holders.
“A substantial part of the program will be devoted to the proper use of livestock pharmaceuticals because animal health is always a priority for the ranch manager,” Hernandez said. “There is however, some concern among producers about the growing debate over antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Aside from any health risk ramifications, their concern surrounds a current movement to regulate more over-the-counter products to a prescription-only status.
“This push stems from the belief that antibiotic misuse in livestock leads to microbial resistance in humans. Our goal in presenting this workshop is to present a balanced educational approach to the issue and how its outcome may affect producers in the future.”
Topics and speakers will include:
– Use of vaccines and antibiotics, Dr. Terry Hensley, AgriLife Extension veterinarian, College Station.
– Livestock parasite management, Dr. Rick Machen, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Uvalde.
– Ranch biosecurity, Dr. Pete Fincher, Texas Animal Health Commission, Lampasas.
– Meeting deer nutritional needs, Bobby Deeds, Cargill Feeds nutritionist, Abilene.
– Disease concerns for the hunter, Fincher.
–Hunting season outlook, Mary Humphreys, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist, Sonora.
For more information, call Hernandez at 325-387-3101.
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