Pasture workshops to be held in Overton

Two upcoming three-day workshops in Overton will address the needs of novice ranchers, according to Dr. Jason Cleere, a Texas AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle expert.

The 2008 Pasture and Livestock Management Workshop for the Novice will be held March 25-27 and again April 1-3. The course is designed for those just starting in the cattle business or those considering starting. "From introductory soils to fertilization strategies to stocking rate assessments to supplementation to vaccinating cattle, the workshop will cover most of the basics of forage and beef cattle production," Cleere said.

Set at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, attendance is limited to 50 people at each workshop to allow for one-on-one interaction with agricultural scientists and professors.

"Past alumni of the program note that attending the workshop was one of the wisest intellectual and economic investments they have made since getting in the cattle business," said Dr. Monte Rouquette, Texas AgriLife research forage science and a course instructor.

be held in Overton

"Focus of the program is how to get started in ranching and pasture management based on research tested, practical information," said Dr. Larry Redmon, Extension forage specialist and course instructor. "We start with the assumption that our audience has limited hands-on management experience, and they want to increase their `comfort zone' with pasture-animal decisions."

About half of each course is spent in the field with how-to demonstrations of essential skills such as planting, calibrating sprayers, soil testing, castrating, dehorning, vaccination of calves, stocking strategies, pasture management and many other topics. Ag scientists also will give tours of the various forage and grazing sites at the center and show how theory is carried to actual practice.

Registration is $350 per person to include two evening meals, two lunches, refreshments, educational materials and social functions where workshop participants can share management experiences. To register, send a check or money order to: Texas AgriLife Research, P.O. Box 200, Overton, TX 75684.