July 21, 2009

Program offers resource management strategies for cattle farms

The field day, scheduled for 2-6 p.m. at the Bob and Margaret Coon Farm, West Lafayette, will focus on improving the environment for cattle.

"The Coons have implemented management-intensive grazing, improved pastures, added a unique watering system, built a hay pad for hay storage and developed a no-mud feeding area for cattle during the winter," said Mark Hilton, Purdue veterinarian and clinical associate professor of beef production medicine. "Our goal is to show the improvements the Coons have made over the last five years and to have them and our guest speakers help farmers take this information home with the ability to implement it as soon as the next day."

The day's speakers include Keith Johnson, Purdue Extension forage specialist and professor of agronomy, and Susannah Hinds, Natural Resources Conservation Service grazing land specialist and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) expert.

In addition to talking about grazing, Hinds also will discuss ways farmers can ensure they have the best chance for success in securing funds from EQIP.

The free workshop will run from 2-5:30, followed by dinner. The cost of dinner is $8 per person and can be paid at the event. Participants are asked to register for the event by Aug. 4 to Rachel Heitkamp at 765-494-9234.

More information is available by contacting Hilton at 765-494-8559, hiltonw@purdue.edu.

The Bob and Margaret Coon Farm is located at 3020 N. 650 W., West Lafayette.

Writer: Jennifer Stewart, (765) 494-6682, jsstewar@purdue.edu

Source: Mark Hilton (765) 494-8559, hiltonw@purdue.edu  

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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