As drought concerns continue to trouble livestock operators in the eastern portion of
Colorado, area conservation districts and the Natural Resource Conservation Service are preparing workshops to help.

Producers wondering if they should reduce herd sizes this year, or are generally concerned with marketing  in the current weather scenario, are invited to sign up for the meetings at the following sites:

Colorado cattlemen concerned about drought impact in the east state can attend special workshops discussing ways to operate during dry conditions.

May 22: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Grainery Restaurant west of Idalia on Highway 36 where you can learn how drought and grazing management affect plant growth in these dry times and beyond. The workshop will offer a hands-on seminar, using data from nearby weather stations and ranch information. Those attending are encouraged to bring a Wi-Fi ready device to aid in the instruction, although it is not necessary to do so. Bringing your ranch livestock records is also encouraged to get the most out of this program.

For more information on this free program, call (970) 332-3173, Ext. 3, or go to the       Yuma County Conservation District website at www.ycconservation.com, or email [email protected].

May 23: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Arikaree School at the intersection of County Roads  NN and 12 in Washington County. This program includes a field day as well as an indoor session. The indoor program will begin with a short  version of how drought and grazing management impact plant growth, offering producers ideas on how they can estimate when they might run out of forage.

The outdoor portion will teach ranchers how to evaluate drought and grazing impacts on their land. A $15 charge will apply to this meeting only. For more information, contact the Cope or Washington County Conservation District, or email [email protected], or call (970) 345-2364, Ext. 3 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Coffee and rolls will be available at both sessions, which will be instructed by Pat Reese, who has more than 30 years of experience working with ranchers and climate change on the high plains as an Extension Service agent.

Registrations must be completed by May 15.

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