Drought Survival Meetings Set For More Southern Missouri Locations
GALENA, MO.
The drought this summer has caused headaches for livestock producers who are preparing to feed cattle this winter with little forage and hay on hand.
That is why University of Missouri Extension specialists are hosting drought survival meetings statewide. In fact, additional meetings have been planned for southern Missouri.
The Taney and Wright County MU Extension Councils are offering meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 4. The first meeting will be from 10 a.m. until noon at the College of the Ozarks Plaster Business Auditorium, 100 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout. Another meeting will be offered from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the same day at the Freewill Baptist Church, 5658 State Hwy Z, Hartville.
The Hickory and Laclede County MU Extension Councils are hosting drought survival meetings on two different days. The first one is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept 7 at the McCarty Senior Center, 19482 State Hwy 54, Wheatland. The second one is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10 at the Laclede County MU Extension office, 186-D N. Adams Ave., Lebanon.
PROGRAM TOPICS
The programs will focus on supplementing low-quality hay, pro and cons of feeding cow commodities herd culling tips, precautions with nitrates and prussic acid, fall forage alternatives and assessing the price of forages.
Producers are welcome to bring lower stems of fertilized sudangrass, millet, Johnsongrass and bermudagrass for a quick subjective analysis of nitrates.
“The drought has taken a major toll on beef and dairy farms in the area. Short hay supplies will continue to plague these farms as we go into winter,” said Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “Producers need to take extra steps to stretch their feed supplies and know what alternatives are available to address the crisis.”
Various state and regional agronomy, livestock and agriculture business specialists from University of Missouri Extension will be presenting at these workshops. ∆