Aug. 24, 2007

SAN ANGELO – Bioenergy and its impact on the sheep and goat industry is the theme for the 34th annual Sheep and Goat Field Day Sept. 6 at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center near San Angelo.

The field day starts with registration at 8 a.m. at the center, located just north of San Angelo on U.S. Highway 87 North. The program starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m., said Dr. John Walker, resident director.

Morning topics and speakers are:

-"The Bioenergy Situation and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Response," Dr. Bill Dugas, Experiment Station deputy director, College Station.

- "U.S. Ethanol Policy: Implications for Agriculture, Energy, and the Federal Budget," Bill Thompson, Texas Cooperative Extension economist, San Angelo.

-"Impact of Higher Grain Prices on Sheep and Goat Selection Strategies," Dr. Dan Waldron, Experiment Station research geneticist, San Angelo.

-"Distiller's Dried Grains," Kirby Vanover, nutrition consultant, Angelo Pellets Feed Mill, San Angelo.

-"Evaluation of the Nutritional and Feeding Value of Ethanol Byproducts for Small Ruminants," Dr. Travis Whitney, Experiment Station research nutritionist, San Angelo.

State Rep. Drew Darby, House District 72 of San Angelo, will be the keynote speaker at 1 p.m.

Industry updates will follow from Producers' Marketing Cooperative Inc., Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers' Association, Mohair Council of America, American Sheep and Goat Center and Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service.

The final field day presentation will be on marketing animal fiber products to health/sustainable lifestyle-conscientious consumers by Dr. Gwendolyn Hustvedt, Texas State University, San Marcus.

No continuing education units will be available due to the unique subject- matter of this year's program, Walker said.

The field day is free and open to the public. There will be an exhibitor-sponsored catered lunch available on site.

For more information contact Walker at 325-653-4576 or jw-walker@tamu.edu .