The Austin County Fairgrounds are set to come alive on Friday, October 6th, as the Beef and Forage Committee of Austin County hosts the much-anticipated Annual Austin County Hay Show and Fall Forage Seminar. This day-long event promises to be a valuable resource for cattle and hay producers, offering insights into hay quality, nutritional needs, and more.
The program kicks off with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by the official commencement at 9:00 a.m. Diving deep into the world of forage and cattle nutrition, this year’s seminar boasts a lineup of expert presenters from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Among the distinguished speakers are Greg Baker, Dr. Stacy Hines, and Dr. Tony Provin, each bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table.
The seminar will explore key topics of interest to farmers and ranchers:
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Understanding Terminology: Ever wondered what those labels on your livestock feed mean? The seminar will unravel the mysteries behind feed terminology, helping attendees make informed choices for their cattle.
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Identifying and Managing Pests: “What Is This and How Do I Get Rid of It” is a crucial question for every producer. Dr. Stacy Hines will shed light on identifying and managing common pests that can affect hay quality and livestock health.
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Optimizing Pasture Feeding: “What to Feed Your Pasture and What Will it Cost” is a question that weighs heavily on producers’ minds. Dr. Tony Provin will guide attendees through the intricacies of pasture feeding, helping them make cost-effective decisions.
For those with a pesticide applicator’s license, attending the seminar offers the added incentive of earning three Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
One of the highlights of this event is the Austin County Hay Show, where local beef cattle and hay producers have submitted samples of their hay for analysis. This analysis provides essential information about hay quality, including its crude protein level, total digestibility, and acid detergent fiber ratio. This knowledge is invaluable for determining the supplemental needs of cattle during the winter months.
The hay samples submitted span a range of categories, including Improved (Hybrid) Bermudagrass, Other Bermudagrasses, Warm Season Annual Grasses, Other Warm Season Perennial Grasses, Cool Season Grasses, Legumes, Legume/Grass Mixtures, and a new category introduced this year—All Other Mixed Grasses. All samples are sourced from Austin and the surrounding counties, making the Hay Show a true showcase of regional agricultural excellence.
Following the enlightening Hay Show and Seminar, participants can join in the awards presentation and a well-deserved lunch. The cost for attending the Fall Forage Seminar is $30 per person.
To secure your spot at this educational event, please RSVP by October 3rd through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Austin County’s website at https://austin.agrilife.org/event-registrations/ or by contacting their office at (979) 865-2072. For those seeking more information about forage sample analysis or beef cattle supplementation, don’t hesitate to speak with Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent Stacie Villarreal, who will be delighted to assist you.
The Annual Austin County Hay Show and Fall Forage Seminar is more than just a gathering; it’s a testament to the commitment and dedication of Austin County’s agricultural community. Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your knowledge and network with fellow producers on October 6th at the Austin County Fairgrounds.
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