Beef and Forages Field Day Oct.29

HOPE — Ways to improve cattle health and reproduction are features of a Beef and Forages Field Day at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope.

The field day will be beneficial to both new and veteran cattle ranchers, SWREC Director Daniel Rivera said.

“There is enough data there for experienced producers to come away with something, but at the same time, there is enough basic info a new person would be able to learn something as well,” Rivera said.

The in-person event will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the research and extension center, 362 Highway 174 North, about 5 miles northeast of downtown Hope.

Five presentations will be given during the field day, with complimentary lunch provided by Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

There is no cost to attend the Beef and Forages Field Day, but registration is required by Oct. 26. Call Sherri Pote at (870) 777-9702 to register.

Presentations will include:

• Cattle market update – James Mitchell, extension livestock economist
• Herd improvement using reproductive technology – Charles Looney, extension beef cattle improvement specialist
• SWREC research programs overview – Daniel Rivera, SWREC director
• County extension agent demonstrations
• Understanding your hay quality – Shane Gadberry, extension livestock nutrition specialist

Many producers rely on hay to supply nutrients to cattle for four to six months out of the year, Gadberry said.