While several weeks of relatively cool, wet weather may have distanced the memory of this summer's drought conditions across much of the country, experienced cattle and forage producers know there's no guarantee tough times won't return.
Though the rain has eased the dry conditions, nearly two-thirds of Arkansas still had some form of drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor's mid-September update.
This year's Beef & Forages Field Day will address drought impacts on the cattle market, nutritional considerations in forage and more, according to a news release.
The field day is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Southwest Research and Extension Center at Hope. Lunch will be provided. There's no cost to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/SWREC_Cattle_Field_Day_2022 or call (870) 777-9702 no later than Oct. 25.
The center is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's research arm, the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
Daniel Rivera, associate professor and SWREC director, said attendees will "have the opportunity to tour facilities and pastures to hear ways to reduce hay waste and how to utilize annual forage plantings to extend grazing as you see these management strategies in practice."
Speakers include James Mitchell, a livestock economist for the Division of Agriculture, and Shane Gadberry, a cattle nutritionist and director of the agricultural experiment station's Livestock and Forestry Station at Batesville and more.
Additional topics include minimizing hay waste, an overview of the research topics at SWREC and a tour of the pastures and facilities.
The Southwest Research and Extension Center is located at 362 Highway 174 North at Hope.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact a local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow the agency on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without discrimination.