The Beef and Forage Committee of Austin County is gearing up to host its Annual Austin County Hay Show and Fall Forage Seminar. This educational event is scheduled for Friday, October 6th, at the Austin County Fairgrounds. With registration opening at 8:30 am and the program kicking off at 9:00 am, attendees are in for a comprehensive day dedicated to advancing their knowledge in agricultural practices and forage management.
This year’s seminar boasts an enriching lineup of presentations under the theme “Harvesting Excellence.” Participants will dive into topics such as “A Guide to Hay Quality & Analysis,” “How to Judge Your Hay Samples and Read Your Results,” and “The Three Ws of Soil Testing.” These sessions are designed to enhance participants’ understanding of forage quality and soil health, pivotal areas for boosting productivity in agricultural practices.
The program will feature esteemed speakers including Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson and Dr. Tony Provin from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Dr. Robert Lane from Sam Houston State University.
In an effort to support ongoing education for agricultural professionals, the event will offer three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attendees holding a pesticide applicators license. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to stay current with their certifications and learn about the latest advancements in agricultural science.
In addition to the seminars, this event will also include a practical component where beef cattle and hay producers have the opportunity to submit their hay samples for analysis. This analysis will reveal crucial data such as crude protein levels, total digestibility, and acid detergent fiber ratios, which are essential for determining the nutritional needs of livestock during the winter months.
Following the morning seminars, the event will conclude with an awards presentation to recognize the highest quality forage samples and a networking lunch.
The registration fee for the Fall Forage Seminar is set at $30 per person. Those interested in attending should visit the Austin County AgriLife Extension website or call their office to RSVP by October 1st. For additional details or inquiries about submitting a forage sample for analysis, attendees can contact Stacie Villarreal, the Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Austin County by calling (979) 865-2072.
