By University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
This program is targeted towards those new to the industry, possibly a generation shift in managing the farm, possibly a retirement has started a hobby farming operation, or possibly a more experienced producer looking for some new ideas. Each month for seven months we will cover a new topic. September will focus on who is here to help. Producers will hear from local agriculture agencies, learn about some helpful apps for farmers, and making the most of their time. October will focus on financials. NRCS will discuss the EQUIP Program, USDA will cover their Beginning Farmer Loan Program, Farm Credit will explain their loan process, Dr. Shane Gadberry will discuss cow calf budgets and breaking even on gaining weight. We will also have a representative from Hope Tractor discuss buying used versus new equipment. November we will discuss Herd Health. Each participant will get hands on practice with vaccinations, deworming, castrating, etc, we will discuss herd selection, reproduction calendars, and designing working systems to be more efficient. January we will discuss herd nutrition. We will discuss commodity feeds, bulk feeds, and local mixed feed options. We will also look into hay quality versus quantity. Purina will discuss the importance of minerals to the livestock diet. Dr. Shane Gadberry will discuss designing feed rations. February is Forage month. We will talk about the importance of soil testing and proper fertilization. Dr. John Jennings will cover basic warm and cool season grasses. Kenny Simon will discuss using the 300 day grazing program to optimize your grazing. We will also discuss weed control. March will focus on pest management. Everyone will get hands on practice calibrating a sprayer. Dr. Kelly Loftin will join us to discuss pest management for livestock. We will also look into managing farm ponds for weed control. April will be our final month looking into finding you niche market. We will discuss different market strategies, hear from a panel of producers of how they market their product, discuss how to handle hot topics (such as antibiotic use and GMOs) with consumers, and go through the ins and outs of the sale barn. Most of these classes will take place at the 4-H Center, with a few field trips to get hands on experiences. Upon signing up for the program, I will be doing a farm walk through with each producer to create a custom plan of action. Cost for the program will be $50 due with registration by September 11th. Late registration at the door will be $10/class. Please contact Rachel at the office with any questions. We would love to have you!
Website |
https://www.uaex.edu/counties/hot-spring/default.aspx |
Contact |
Rachel Bearden rlbearden@uaex.edu (501) 332-5267 |
Arkansas