10/09/07 High hay prices interest ranchers in lower quality forage

Washington Ag October 9, 2007 Next Wednesday beef producers around the state will be able to participate in a teleconference on feeding low quality forages. Tom Platt, Washington State University Extension Educator in Davenport, explains why there is such interest in lower quality forage for this winter. Platt: "Feed is tight. Hay is expensive and even low quality forage like grass straw and grain straw, which are normally readily available, is expensive. So ranchers are looking for ways to use as much of the low quality forage as they can and our program is designed to help them make sure they are meeting their cows and herds nutrient needs at the same time." That program is a telephone conference being held Wednesday, October 17th from 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm, which can be participated in at group meeting locations in Waterville, Davenport, Ritzville and Spokane. Platt says you can find the specific meeting locations by going to www.livestockstopics.wsu.edu Platt: "They can download in advance a slide show and then participate by conference call." If you don't have internet access call Platt at 509-725-4171. I'm Bob Hoff.