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Carbon County

South Central Ag Forum Continues to Bring Agriculture Specialists to the Region

Published: 2020
By Nikki Bailey
The South Central Cattle & Forage Series was organized to address the educational needs of farmers and ranchers while reaching people across Carbon, Stillwater, Yellowstone and Big Horn Counties. This past year, many producers had been considering different ways to utilize fall and spring forage options. To address these concerns, Jeff Mosley, PhD, MSU Extension Range Management Specialist, was brought to the tour to discuss grazing management options in the spring and early fall. Following this presentation, producers demonstrated an increased knowledge of forage management in spring and fall pastures. Mosley and Carla Sanford, PhD, MSU Extension Beef Specialist, then presented the implications of fetal programming when developing replacement heifers. Reproduction is the single most important factor in ranch productivity and management of replacement beef heifers is one of the costliest to an operation. Producers learned about heifer development and postpartum management. In the final presentation of the night, attendees increased awareness of how water quality impacts livestock through Molly Master’s presentation on water quality. Agriculture producers left the program with a greater understanding of cattle genetics, grazing systems, and water quality. Collaborative programs such as this series provide an opportunity for local agriculture producers to hear from state specialists and further develop strategies to make their agricultural operations more productive and profitable.
Hay production is an agriculture commodity in Carbon County. MSU Extension performs nitrate tests and provides feeding recommendations throughout the year.