The drought this summer has caused headaches for livestock producers preparing to feed cattle this winter with little forage and hay on hand. University of Missouri Extension will hold in-person meetings in Lawrence and Greene counties Wednesday, Aug. 17, for cattle producers who want to discuss this issue and gain tips for surviving and recovering from the drought.
The free programs will focus on hay quality, alternative feeds, feeding silage, herd culling tips, early weaning, precautions with nitrates and prussic acid, fall forage alternatives, the beef market outlook and assessing the price of forages. Producers are welcome to bring lower stems of fertilized Sudan grass, millet, Johnson grass, corn and Bermuda grass for a quick subjective analysis of nitrates.
"The drought has taken a major toll on livestock farms and ranches in the area," said Tim Schnakenberg, an MU Extension agronomy specialist based in Galena. "Short hay supplies will continue to plague these farms as we go into winter. Producers need to take extra steps to stretch their feed supplies and know what alternatives are available to address the crisis."
On hand for the discussions will be Schnakenberg, state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey, livestock specialist Patrick Davis, agronomy specialist Jill Scheidt and ag business specialist Wesley Tucker.
Times and locations for the Aug. 17 meetings:
Springfield. 8:30-11:45 a.m., Sac River Cowboy Church, 2328 N. Farm Road 101.
Mount Vernon. 2-5:15 p.m., MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center, 14548 Highway H.
There is no charge to attend these meetings, but registration is requested. To register, call 417-357-6812 or register online .
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Weather