Do you wonder if there are financial programs available for grazing, fencing, and watering systems for your horse farm? Do you have questions about how best to manage your soil fertility? Do you want to know strategies to evaluate the quality of your horse hay? All of these topics will be covered at the 4th annual Howell county equine conference on December 3rd.
Creating grazing systems with adequate fence and water access on horse properties can be a large financial investment. Christin Byrd, Soil conservationist with Natural Resource Conservation Service, will speak about the cost-share programs through NRCS available which might fit for horse owners.
With the high prices of fertilizer and Lime, it is more important than ever to manage your soil fertility in order to increase your pasture’s grass or hay production. Haley Schwantz, MU Extension Agronomy Specialist will speak about managing your soil’s fertility, how to take and use a soil test, and some tips on improving your soil fertility.
Considering the abundance of hay baled in the area this year, Elizabeth Picking, MU Extension Livestock Specialist will speak about how to evaluate your hay, both visually and by using a hay test to identify what hay will meet your horse’s nutritional needs.
MU Extension is hosting the conference at 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd. West Plains, MO 65775 at 5:30pm. The cost to attend is $10/person and includes dinner. For dietary accommodations, please contact the office. For questions or to register, contact the Howell Co. extension center at 417-256-2391 or visit: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/4th-annual-howell-county-equine-conference
