"Cows, Grass and Cash" set to be discussed in Yorkton

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

The agenda is set and plans are being finalized for Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s annual “East Central Beef and Forage Seminar,” taking place January 25 in Yorkton.

“Producers in the east central region can look forward to an event where they learn, share and renew their awareness regarding management practices, new technologies and production issues,” said Jodie Horvath, SAF Livestock Development Specialist.

Horvath says this year’s theme, “Cows, Grass, and Cash,” promises to deliver valuable insights to producers in areas such as improving the profitability of their operations and understanding the impact of environmental programming on the Canadian cattle industry.

SAF Livestock Development Specialist Naomi Paley said, “The seminar will feature discussion on timely topics such as winter feeding of livestock. The presentations will tie in management strategies such as lowering the cost of production, reducing work load and increasing profit.”

The program will also include presentations on the latest research results related to cattle operations. For example, the afternoon sessions will focus on feeding options for extensive winter grazing, and introduce some new findings from the Western Beef Development Centre. Dr. Bart Lardner will share some of the recent data from a swath grazing trial involving feeder animals rather than cow-calf pairs.

The event is also an opportunity for producers to get an update on environmental programs such as the Canada-Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Program, and to meet the individuals who are delivering it in their area. The program offers technical and financial support to producers who are looking to improve their management practices.

The day will be capped off with a panel of producers, who will share their experiences in using low-cost feeding methods in their cattle operations.

“Having the producers share their experiences is a great way to wrap up the seminar,” said Horvath. “It really validates the research that is ongoing and the management principles we promote. Producers are able to hear directly from their colleagues who are trying these same approaches in their own operations, which usually generates some good discussion and a lot of interesting questions.”

People attending the seminar will also get the chance to visit booths and displays, and to mingle with other producers.

The event is held in co-operation with Yorkton Agricultural Information Inc., a non- profit corporation dedicated to promoting agricultural information that will benefit area producers.

The seminar will take place at the St. Gerard’s Parish Complex. The cost to attend is $15, including lunch, if delegates pre-register by January 16, or $20 at the door.

Anyone interested in obtaining more information or registering for the East Central Beef and Forage Seminar can call Jodie Horvath at the SAF Regional Office in Yorkton at (306) 786-1509.

For more information, contact:

Jodie Horvath, PAg., Livestock Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 786-1509
E-mail: jhorvath@agr.gov.sk.ca