Writer: Robert Burns, 903-834-6191, rd-burns@tamu.edu
HENDERSON – As in previous years, the focus of the upcoming East Texas Regional Forage Conference is about how producers can save money – just more so, said Randy Reeves, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Harrison County.
“For example, producers will hear from some of the best in the field on cost of raising their own replacement heifers versus purchasing them,” Reeves said.
The conference will be held Aug. 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Rusk County Youth Expo Center, 3303 Farm-to-Market Road 13 West, Henderson.
Registration is $15, with a deadline of Aug. 21. A printable registration form can be downloaded at https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/etrfc1.pdf .
Alternately, participants may mail a check or money order with their name, address and phone number to: Rusk County Extension Office, c/o East Regional Forage Conference, 113 E. Fordall St., Henderson, TX 75652.
Holders of Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicators licenses will have the opportunity to earn one continuing education unit in integrated pest management, Reeves said.
Conference topics and speakers will include:
— Cost of Developing vs. Purchasing Replacement Females, Stan Bevers, AgriLife Extension economist, Vernon.
— Current Clover Research in Overton and Clover Utilization in Winter Pastures, Dr. Ray Smith, Texas A&M AgriLife Research legume breeder, Overton.
— Manure Scoring to Determine Nutritional Needs in Beef Cattle, Dr. Robert Wells, livestock consultant with the Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma.
— Herbicide Pasture Updates, Shane Colston, certified crop advisor with Winfield Solutions, Tyler.
The conference is jointly presented by AgriLife Extension offices in Gregg, Harrison, Panola, Rusk and Upshur counties, but producers from other counties and states are welcome to attend, Reeves said.
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