The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Bandera, Blanco, Gillespie, Kendall and Kerr counties will conduct their Multi-County Sheep and Goat program to address challenges and opportunities facing Texas Hill Country producers.
This year's program will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Mansfield Park Recreation Center, 2886 State Highway 16 North in Bandera. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Much of the program will focus on how the drought is affecting Texas livestock producers, including sheep and goat raisers.
GO GOATS. A multi-county sheep and goat program will be held the evening of Sept. 27 at Mansfield Park Recreation Center in Bandera, Texas. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo
"Dry weather has impacted livestock production causing many to liquidate inventory and have to rely more heavily on purchased feed," says Sam Womble, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent, Bandera County. "While inputs may be at an all-time high, producers are also seeing some opportunities to add value to their operations by implementing a good health program and looking at various marketing options. We hope producers will join us for this timely and informative meeting."
Womble says program topics will be:
--Sheep and Goat Reproduction Efficiency and Diseases, Dr. Frank Craddock, AgriLife Extension state sheep and goat specialist, San Angelo.
--Toxic Weed Identification and Symptoms, Bob Dittmar, DVM, Kerrville.
--Predator Management Board Update and a Market Report, Wayne Geistwedt, Gillespie Livestock Company, Fredericksburg.
Attendees can obtain two continuing education units from the Texas Department of Agriculture, with one CEU in integrated pest management and the other CEU in the general category for pesticide applicator licensees.
Registration is $15 per person, and includes materials and refreshments. Those planning to attend are asked to preregister by contacting their respective Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county office by Sept. 24. This will help in planning for the crowd.
For more information, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Bandera County by calling 830-796-7755 or go online and visit http://bandera.agrilife.org.