Aug. 21, 2006

ANSON – Texas Cooperative Extension will hold a multi-county beef cattle meeting focusing on drought-related management at 9:45 a.m., Aug. 29 in the Extension Homemakers Building at 801 23rd Street in Anson.

"Our program, ‘Commonsense Drought Strategies' is meant to help producers through the very tough times we are now experiencing," said Todd Vineyard, Extension agent in Jones County. "Feed prices are extremely high, and supplies are short. To help producers get the most from their feed dollar, we'll take a close look at the actual protein and energy needs of various classes of cattle and also discuss what really should be sold.

"High cattle prices have sent many producers to the local auction barns to buy cheaper herd bull replacements," Vineyard said. "That could be a mistake, if not tested for venereal diseases."

Trichomoniasis, a venereal disease of cattle, is on the rise again, largely because of this practice, he said. The disease can decimate a calf crop, and is difficult to eradicate from an infected herd.

"We will have experts here to discuss the disease and to offer tips on how to avoid it. We'll also look at how to buy a good herd bull."

The program's topics will be: "Cow Nutritive Requirements," "Cattle Market Outlook," "Alternative Feed Supplements and How to Use Them," "Managing Bloat in Small Grain Pastures," "Trichomoniasis," and "Herd Bull Buying."

The program is being conducted by the Extension offices in Jones, Fisher, Haskell and Nolan counties. Meal sponsors are Fort Dodge Animal Health and Schering-Plough.

Individual registration by noon Aug. 28 is free; afterwards, it will be $10 at the door.

To register and for more information, call the Extension office in Jones County at 325-823-2432.