FORT STOCKTON– The Texas Agricultural Extension Service is holding a series of eight Integrated Toxic Plant Management workshops across West Texas.
The first two are scheduled in Del Rio on July 22 and in Ozona on July 23. Alpine, Van Horn and Fort Stockton will host workshops on Sept. 8, 9 and 10, respectively. Stanton, Kermit and Big Lake have meetings set for Sept. 15,16 and 17, respectively. Those interested should contact their local County Extension Agent for times, meeting locations and registration fees.
Workshop participants will have the option of obtaining five continuing education unit credits with an option for three additional credits for take-home assignments.
Dr. John Reagor, head of toxicology at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station, will be one of the featured speakers during the workshops.
“West Texas is home to over 75 species of range plants that can be toxic to livestock,” said Dr. Charles Hart, Extension range specialist at Ft. Stockton, and a workshop coordinator and speaker. “That’s more than any other place in the country. It’s an ever-present problem for ranchers — some plants cause more problems during a drought, others during wet periods, while still others pose constant difficulties.
“Our main goal with these workshops is to help producers identify plants and problem areas on their ranches and recognize toxic symptoms early to prevent livestock loss. Once these factors are identified, we can explore options for livestock management or even plant control.”
Dr. Bruce Carpenter, Extension livestock specialist at Ft. Stockton, and another workshop speaker, said that when problems arise, dead animals are usually the first sign of trouble.
“The challenge is to figure out why they died,” he said. “It may be disease, a plant, or even a lightning strike that killed them. If dead animals aren’t the problem, other less definitive losses like poor reproduction or just poor doing’ animals may be robbing profits.”
Workshop participants will spend time in “hands-on” exercises, practicing the identification of toxic plants specific to their region. They also will see evidence of various livestock plant poisoning symptoms and will hear of treatments available for affected animals.
The newly released “Toxic Plant Handbook” will be available during the workshops for $14.95 or it may be ordered through county Extension offices. The 120-page reference features more than 50 plants with color pictures. Accompanying text describes each plant’s distinguishing characteristics, habitat, toxic agents, livestock poisoning symptoms and integrated strategies for management and control.
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