MU Extension to Hold Livestock Drought Recovery Meetings

Livestock producers in the southern half of Missouri face many challenges because of the drought. To help ease their stress, University of Missouri Extension is holding free in-person meetings in August at various locations.

On Aug. 10 in Crawford County and Aug. 11 in Pulaski County, extension specialists will cover key topics such as livestock decisions and feeding, forage management, forage toxins, money considerations and management and planning for future events.

Drought recovery meetings Aug. 17 in Springfield and Mount Vernon and Aug. 19 in Lebanon focus on hay quality issues, 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.

"The drought has taken a major toll on livestock farms and ranches in the area," said Tim Schnakenberg, MU Extension agronomist 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 Aug. 22, the meeting in Nevada will focus on forage and livestock management strategies in drought.

"The drought will continue to impact cattle operation grazing and feed resources as we go into the fall and winter," said MU Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis.

Proper management during these times is important to productivity and profitability of a cattle operation.

All meetings are free of charge.

Details and registration at https://mizzou.us/DroughtEvents

• Crawford County, Aug. 10. MU Wurdack Farm, Cook Station, 6-8:30 p.m.
• Pulaski County, Aug. 11. Pulaski County Court House, Waynesville, 6-8 p.m.
• Springfield, Aug. 17. Sac River Cowboy Church, 8:30-11:45 a.m.
• Mount Vernon, Aug. 17. MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center, 2-5:15 p.m.
• Lebanon, Aug. 19. MU Extension Center in Laclede County, 12:30-4:15 p.m.
• Nevada, Aug. 22. Vernon County Fairgrounds Centennial Hall, 12:30-5 p.m.

MU Extension's Drought Resources page at https://mizzou.us/DroughtResources includes articles, publications, events, links and other drought-related information.