UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Producers can learn how to better manage differences in forage quality and how it impacts rations at the Forage Quality Impacts on Rations for Sheep and Goat Producers Workshop offered by Penn State Extension.
The workshop, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, at the Bedford County 4-H Center on the Bedford Fairgrounds in Bedford, is being co-sponsored by Kent Nutrition Group.
Featured topics will include forages for sheep and goat production, forage growth and its impact on quality, forage testing and understanding a forage test report, adjusting rations to account for forage quality differences, and comparing feed costs to make ration adjustments.
Speakers at the event will include Penn State Extension educators Melanie Barkley from Bedford County, Leanna Duppstadt from Somerset County, and Camren Maierle from Mercer County. Dr. Robert VanSaun, Penn State Extension veterinarian, also will speak at the event.
“Forage quality can vary greatly from one year to the next, and this spring’s challenging hay-making weather resulted in many differences in forage quality,” said Barkley. “Understanding how forage quality impacts animal nutrition and their overall health is very important for sheep and goat producers. This workshop will help these producers better understand how to balance rations to manage these quality differences.”
The cost to attend the meeting is $15, which includes handout materials, refreshments and lunch. Registration is requested by Sept. 27. To register for the meeting, call 877-345-0691 or go to the website. Registration is limited to 50 people for the workshop.
The Bedford County Fairgrounds is located at 108 Telegraph Road in Bedford. For more information about the workshop, contact Barkley at the Penn State Extension Office in Bedford County at 814-623-4800 or Maierle at the Penn State Extension Office in Mercer County at 724-662-3141.
About Penn State Extension
Penn State Extension is dedicated to translating scientific research into real-world applications to drive progress. In support of Penn State's land-grant mission, extension programs serve individuals, businesses and communities, while promoting a vibrant food and fiber system, a clean environment, and a healthier population in Pennsylvania and beyond. With support from federal, state and county governments, the organization has a tradition of bringing unbiased information and support to the citizens of Pennsylvania for more than 100 years.