Educational Workshops Planned for Livestock and Forage Producers

Staff Reports

North Carolina Cooperative Extension is offering a series of livestock and forage production workshops during the month of January for area producers. The high cost of inputs such as fertilizer, feed, fuel and equipment has led many producers to search for options to reduce operating costs or new enterprises that will generate more income.

January 15 – Grass Finished and Direct Marketed Beef, 9-3 at Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, Fletcher. NCSU Extension Specialists will present information on budgeting, regulations, animal nutrition, forage production and other issues for cow-calf producers interested in finishing beef on pasture and direct marketing to consumers. A van will depart from the Catawba County Extension Center at 7 AM to attend this program. Call (828) 465-8240 to register and reserve a seat. There is no registration fee but a head count is needed for proper meal arrangements.

January 29 – Managing Forage Costs, 1-7:30 PM at Haywood County Extension Center. The program will feature Dr. John Andrae from Clemson University on Pasture Costs, a regional producer panel, Extension Updates, trade show and Dr. Dennis Hancock from University of Georgia on Cost Management. A dinner is included and a van will depart from the Catawba County Extension Center at 11 AM to attend this program. Call (828) 465-8240 to register and reserve a seat.

Winter Horse Management Series – January 8, 15 and 22 at 7 PM at the Catawba County Agricultural Resources Center. Topics include Cost Cutting Strategies for Horse Owners and Insuring Horse Ventures (January 8), Natural Hoof Care (January 15) and Trail Etiquette (January 22). There is no charge to attend and all interested horse owners are invited. Call (828) 465-8240 for more information.