The Woodward News

Local News

March 19, 2010

OSU Extension seminar to focus on forage management

Michelle Seeber Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — A Northwest Area OSU Extension forage meeting and dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 30 at the Woodward High Plains Technology Center.

The event, sponsored by OSU Extension offices in Harper, Woodward and Ellis counties, will focus on forage topics applicable for Northwest Oklahoma, according to OSU Extension Educator Dana Bay.

During the session, Dr. Brent Bean, a Texas agrilife research professor and extension agronomist, will discuss managing forage sorghum for hay, grazing and silage production.

“Bean is considered one of the experts on forage sorghums,” Bay said, noting his presentation will also cover seeding rates, row spacing and varieties of sorghum that work well in this part of the world.

“There are several producers in this area who plant sorghums in the summer time,” Bay said, noting, “most of it is cut for hay in this part of the world" and used to feed cattle and horses.

Another discussion provided by Rick Kochenower, OSU area research and extension agronomist, will cover updates on Bermuda grass varieties and management practices for hay yield and quality, Bay said.

“We’ve had an increase of people planting the grass and getting it established,” she said, noting the presentation will also address general updates on what needs to be done to take care of Bermuda grass.

A third presentation given by Jason Barr, Ellis County extension educator, will address forage nitrate toxicity.

“Some of our forages seem to be more prone than others in developing high nitrates, which if high enough can actually kill animals eating it,” Bay said. “It can also reduce reproduction  (and) cause abortions in cows. Sometimes a stocker calf may have reduced (weight) gains.”

Because a free brisket dinner will be provided to attendees of the forage meeting, Bay asked that people planning to attend call their local extension office by March 25 for reservations.

Contact Woodward County OSU Extension at (580) 256-3391; Harper County OSU Extension at (580) 735-2252; and Ellis County OSU Extension at (580) 885-7775.

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