Fall Cow - Calf Workshops

These workshops focused on educating producers about possible alternatives they may use to extend their grazing season and help reduce feed cost. Discussions also were held about the usefulness of proper handling facilities and how improved animal welfare and health could result. Management practices that benefited animal welfare and productivity were addressed by speakers as well.

Regionally there were two workshops offered. The first one was on October 27, 2012 in the Venus area of Venango County. This successful workshop drew producers from Venango, Clarion, Butler, Crawford, and Armstrong Counties. Comments from the producer indicated that the workshop was extremely valuable and perspectives like the following were shared “it was truly eye opening to see how much better cattle handling could be with a proper chute” stated Park Findlay.

Producers also championed the quality of the second workshop held on November 3, 2012 in Clarksburg, located in Indiana County. This workshop offered a little different twist as participants also talked about management of bred heifers and the potential that crossbreeding offers to help face today’s high input cost. The cold morning did not hold producers back as attendees came from Armstrong, Indiana, Westmoreland, Butler, and Somerset Counties.