EVERETT, Wash. – Top quality forage is essential for livestock to receive adequate nutrition. A workshop on Forage Testing and Pasture Management will be 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at the Washington State University Snohomish County Extension Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St. SE, Everett.
Cost is $25 per farm (up to three people) or $15 per person. Register at http://ForageTesting.BrownPaperTickets.com or download the form at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/ForageTesting and mail with a check. For more information, contact Kate Ryan Halstead at 425-357-6024 or khalstead@wsu.edu.
David Ridle, a farmer, forage specialist with Skagit Farm Supply and longtime WSU Extension livestock advisor, will talk about sustainable grazing strategies and methods to improve and renovate pastures. He will discuss forage testing and using the results to balance livestock rations throughout the year. Both hay and haylage will be covered.
The basics of pasture management will include answers to common questions such as:
• Why is my pasture weedy?
• How many animals can I have on my pasture?
• When should I start feeding hay?
• Why is my pasture always short and why does it take so long to improve?
Ridle’s expertise is in western Washington-based forage management with a special focus on nutrition for optimum animal health. He is a graduate of both WSU Extensions’ Cultivating Success and Livestock Advisor programs.
Contact:
Kate Halstead, WSU Snohomish County Extension, 360-794-6081, khalstead@wsu.edu
