Northwest Beef, Forage Field Day Brings Producers And Researchers Together

V. TODD MILLER

BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA

   The LSU AgCenter held a beef and forage field day late last month at the Red River Research Station in Bossier City, bringing producers and researchers together for the latest in industry updates.

   Tara Smith, interim director of the AgCenter Northwest Region, was pleased to see the robust turnout, saying she estimated attendance to be about 125 on the warm April day.

   Producers heard from various AgCenter researchers and extension agents on topics including weed control updates from AgCenter weed scientist Ron Strahan and cattle identification solutions and record keeping from state beef specialist Ashley Edwards and livestock agent Lee Faulk.

   Faulk emphasized that cattle producers are searching for ways to reduce input costs and maximize profits from their calf crop. He said the topics discussed during the field day could help play a role in those goals.

   Other topics addressed at the field day included forage options for cattle producers and managing fertilizer costs with AgCenter forage specialists Buddy Pitman and Wink Alison.

   The program continued with a Louisiana Master Farmer Program update and AgCenter updates with Mike Salassi, associate vice president and program leader for plant and animal sciences.

   The field day concluded with a panel discussion on marketing beef directly to consumers, a practice that has been increasing in popularity with recent inflationary concerns. Faulk said this topic was of particular interest to attendees.

   “Selling beef directly to the consumer has grown in popularity of late,” he said. “The audience heard success stories, strategies and tips directly from producers who have been marketing their cattle in this way.”

   Smith called the event “great,” reiterating the importance of these types of opportunities and benefits the AgCenter provides to Louisiana producers.

   “This event is a signature event in the Northwest Region, and the response from our clientele solidifies our commitment to research and extension programs that are addressing the needs of our beef cattle industry in the Northwest Region and beyond,” Smith said. ∆

   V. TODD MILLER: LSU AgCenter

 Producers prepare to learn about the latest research during an LSU AgCenter beef and forage field day, which took place on April 28 in Bossier City.

 Photo by Tara Smith/LSU AgCenter

 LSU AgCenter weed scientist Ron Strahan discusses weed management options in pastures.

 Photo by Tara Smith/LSU AgCenter