Writer: Steve Byrns, (915) 653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu
SAN ANGELO — The Texas Forage and Grassland Council’s State Hay Show and annual meeting is Dec. 10-11 at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center here.
The event is co-sponsored by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The meeting routinely rotates around the state, but the content is always tailored to meet local producer needs.
“The show features hay entries raised by some of the best forage producers in the nation,” said Dr. Billy Warrick, Extension agronomist in San Angelo. “Texas is a big hay producer. Folks in this state know how to make hay whether they live in deep East Texas or call the Trans-Pecos home. Visitors coming out to the show can see top entries representing many forage crops. They’ll probably see hay varieties they’ve never even heard of.
“We’ve received about 140 entries this year,” continued Warrick. “That’s down some from years past because of last summer’s hot weather and prolonged drought. The show is a good place for producers, small acreage owners, and horse (owners) to really learn what good hay is, what it’s worth, and how to get the most for their hay-buying dollar.”
The state 4-H and FFA hay judging contest is part of the show’s activities. Judging will be at the center Dec. 10 with registration scheduled for 11:30 a.m. The actual judging is set for 1 p.m.
“Another major highlight is the Dec. 10 producer tour, which features forage production and weed and brush control work around San Angelo,” Warrick said.
The council’s annual meeting, set for Dec. 11 and open to the public, begins at 8:15 a.m. with “Renovation of CRP” by Dr. Don Dorsett, retired Extension forage specialist, College Station. Charles Stichler, Uvalde-based Extension agronomist, is next with “Bermuda Grasses for Western Texas.” The session continues with Warrick speaking on “Summer Annual Grasses”. The day’s last session, “Drought Management,” will be presented by Dr. Dennis Herd, Extension beef cattle nutritionist, College Station. The council’s business meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. The two days of activities will close with an awards luncheon at noon.
A registration fee of $20 per person covers the tour, meeting, noon meal on Friday, and a copy of the conference proceedings. To register, contact the council office at (512) 238-0515. For further information, call your local county agent or the show’s coordinator, Dr. David Bade, at (979) 845-6800.
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