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ML Ranch to host KLA, K-State Ranch Management Field Day Aug. 19Kansas Maximizing the use of grazing resources to reduce feed costs will highlight the topics to be addressed Aug. 19 during a field day at ML Ranch near Peru. The operation, owned by Mike and Libby Long, revolves around a backgrounding and stocker business, with some beef cows as well. This will be the first of three ranch management field days presented by the Kansas Livestock Association and Kansas State University. The cost of feeding and carrying a beef cow for one year is the most significant expense item for cow-calf producers. Dry-lotting cows or hauling feed while native grass is dormant is considerably more costly than previous years. K-State animal nutritionist KC Olson will provide several suggestions on how producers might be able to reduce input costs, including stretching out the grazing season and matching calving dates with available grazing resources. Natural Resources Conservation Service technician David Criger and K-State watershed specialist Warren Bell will give a presentation on state and federal cost-share programs available to assist producers in designing and developing stockwatering systems. Alternatives to be discussed include piping to stock tanks, spring development, pit ponds and use of pond water for supplying alternative sites. Another educational session will focus on the "Locate in 48" program. Premises registration for the National Animal Identification System is a voluntary program, but producers all across the U.S. are helping the industry prepare for an emergency disease outbreak. The program is designed to encourage producers to register their premises, which would allow animal health officials to conduct more efficient, timely and cost-effective disease traceback. KLA Director of Feedlot Services Clayton Huseman and KLA Stockgrowers Council Chair Beth Patterson, Yates Center, will discuss why and how producers should register their premises. Attendees also will hear from K-State veterinarian Larry Hollis about the effects of water quality and animal health products on cattle health and beef quality. Hollis will provide an overview of commonly found water quality problems in Kansas and tips on how to avoid these issues, which can cause producers considerable problems. He also will discuss why the proper handling and use of pharmaceutical products is vital for good beef quality and consumer satisfaction. The Peru field day will begin with registration at 3:30 p.m., and conclude with a free beef dinner at 6:45 p.m. All livestock producers and others involved in the business are invited to attend. ML Ranch is located in Chautauqua County. From the Highway 99 and Highway 166 junction, go south on 99 four miles to Chautauqua. On the east side of Highway 99, going through Chautauqua, go one block past Steve's 99 convenience store to Chautauqua Street. Go east on Chautauqua Street (Cowboy Road) for two miles. At the intersection of Road 22 and Cowboy Road, go north 1/4 mile to the bulk tanks. From Highway 166, one mile east of the Highway 99 and Highway 166 junction, go south on Road 21 2.4 miles to Dalton Road. From the Road 21 and Dalton Road intersection, go one mile east to Road 22. From the Road 22 and Dalton Road intersection, go south 1.4 miles. Enter at the bulk tanks. Directional signs will be posted. KLA and K-State also will host ranch management field days Aug. 21 at Fletchall Ranch near Beloit and Sept. 26 at Gant-Larson Ranch near Medicine Lodge. Unique aspects of each operation will be incorporated into the educational sessions. Bayer Animal Health and the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas are sponsoring all three events. For more information, go to www.kla.org or call the KLA office at 785-273-5115. 8/11/08 Date: 8/7/08 Advertisement
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