The Smith County Livestock and Forage Improvement Committee will be hosting a Spring Ranch Field Day on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at the Rio Neches ranch near New Harmony. Registration for the event will begin at 2:30 PM and the program will start at 3 PM.
Cost is $5 per person, which includes a barbecue dinner. Pre-registration will be taken by phone until April 27th by calling the Smith County Extension office at 903-590-2980. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chair to the meeting.
The field day will include formal presentations by Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists, a tour of the Rio Neches Ranch, and a cutting horse demonstration by ranch personnel. There will also be time during the field day to visit with event sponsors/vendors who will be on hand to talk with you about their agricultural related products.
Formal presentations are as follows:
Dr. Vanessa Corriher, our new Extension Forage Specialist from Overton, makes her Smith County debut at the field day this year. Dr. Corriher will be discussing pasture fertility management, focusing on tips to save money in these times of high fertilizer costs.
Brian Triplett will provide a short overview of the results of a three-year, multi-county effort to evaluate products that will effectively and efficiently control blackberries in pastures.
Dr. Jason Banta, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist from Overton, will discuss and demonstrate proper calf working techniques, including proper shot placement to minimize bruising and carcass defects.
Dr. Dennis Sigler, Extension Horse Specialist from College Station, will also be making his Smith County debut at the field day. Dr. Sigler will be discussing nutrition and care for the light use stock horse.
Attendees with Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide licenses will receive 1 hour of General continuing education credit. Attendees with Texas Beef Quality Producer certification will receive 1 hour of continuing education credit as well.
Directions to the Rio Neches are as follows. From Tyler, take Highway 64 west to FM 724. Turn right (north) on FM 724 and travel to County Road 416. Turn left (west) on County Road 416 and travel until you 'T' into County Road 415. Turn left (south) on County Road 415 and travel until you see County Road 418. Turn right (west) on County Road 418 and travel until you arrive at the Rio Neches Ranch entrance. The field day will begin with registration in the horse barn. Follow the signs for directions and for where to park.
Persons wishing to attend this program with special needs are asked to notify us in advance so that necessary accommodations can be made.
Information from the Texas AgriLife Extension Service is available to people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
