‘Build your cow herd’ workshops on tap

Wondering how to use genomics, deal with lower-quality feed, or about health issues faced by cattle producers in your area?

Then you may want to attend one of 10 workshops being held across Alberta in late October and early November. The ‘Tools to build your cow herd’ workshops are being put on by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry in conjunction with local forage and research associations. Each will feature a presentation on how genetic and genomic tools can help identify superior animals in a commercial cow herd; feed issues resulting from weather problems; and boosting performance and reproduction efficiency through nutrition. As well, a local veterinarian will speak on local issues and concerns.

The workshops (which include lunch) cost $30 per person and attendees must pre-register one week in advance. The dates and locations are: Oct. 23 at Lethbridge College; Oct. 24 at Olds College; Oct. 25 in Pollockville; Oct. 26 at Lakeland College, in Vermilion; Oct. 27 in Warburg; Oct. 30 in Thorhild; Oct. 31 in Valleyview; Nov. 1 in Spirit River; Nov. 2 in Manning; and Nov. 2 in La Crete. The workshops start at 9 a.m. except for the one in La Crete, which begins at 4:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, call beef extension specialist Andrea Hanson at 403-948-1528 or 310-FARM (3276).