Ark Forage & Grassland Council Offers Ranch Tours May 2

By The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Two northern Arkansas ranches that managed to get forage to grow through flood and drought will be showcased as part of the Arkansas Forage and Grassland Council spring tour on May 2.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and buses leave at 9:30 a.m. from the Pocahontas Livestock Auction Barn in Pocahontas on Friday, May 2. Buses will return by 4:30 p.m.

"This tour is offering a chance to see how different grazing and forage management strategies work on two different farm operations," said John Jennings, professor-forage for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. "These two farms are opening their doors to show how they are putting information from research and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s 300 Day Grazing Demonstration program to good use to save money, labor and time.”

Participants will visit two area livestock farms of different sizes and grazing programs. Among the discussion topics are:

• Grazing systems on stocker calf and cow/calf operations;
• Unique electric fencing strategies
• Practical forage options and management for grazing 300 days per year
• Comparison of livestock water options and
• Environmentally sound practices for forage and livestock management.

Cost per person is $25, $10 for students. Registration includes lunch, all materials and bus transportation.

To reach the Pocahontas Livestock Auction, take Hwy 67 into Pocahontas, turn onto Townsend St. (at the intersection of Highways 67 and 304, at the T-Ricks Citgo gas station) and go west about a quarter mile to the Livestock Auction Barn.

For more information about the conference or to pre-register, call John Jennings, AFGC secretary, at 501-671-2350, or contact any AFGC board member.