LENA, Ill. — Livestock managers and owners are invited to join University of Illinois Extension for the Storing Forages: Balancing Cost and Performance workshop on Thursday, Sept. 19.
U of I Extension livestock specialist Teresa Steckler will be the featured speaker. The workshop will be held at the Lena Community Center, 497 Lions Drive, Lena, starting at 6:30 p.m.
“Managing feed expenses represents much of the difference between high- and low-profit livestock operations,” Steckler said, citing hay, baleage and silage. “Stored forages represent most of the cost and variability within the feed expense for most livestock operations.”
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During the workshop, livestock managers will learn about the opportunities to reduce or control these costs while maintaining or improving livestock performance.
Topics will include:
• Reducing field and handling losses.
• Reducing volume and quality loss in stored hay.
• Comparing round bales, square bales and baleage.
• Comparing loss from different feeding systems.
• Quality vs. animal nutrition needs.
“Anyone raising cattle, sheep, goats, horses, or other species should consider attending this workshop,” said Jay Solomon, U of I Extension natural resources, environment and energy educator serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.
“Whether purchasing or on-farm harvested forages, considerations on the initial quality, baling system, wrap or tying system, storage system and feeding system can all impact final utilization losses and total feed cost. A variety of current research results will be presented to help livestock owners make informed decisions.”
Register for the workshop at 815-235-4125 or go.illinois.edu/jsw.
The registration fee is $5. The registration deadline is Sept. 17.