News Release
February  10, 2008

High-quality hay, irrigated pastures subjects of Basin expo

Suggestions for producing high-quality hay and developing irrigated pastures are themes of the Big Horn Basin Forage Irrigated Pasture Expo Tuesday, Feb. 19, in Basin.

Sponsored by the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES), the event is at the Big Horn County Fair Conference Building. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and presentations end at 3:15 p.m. Lunch is provided. There is a registration fee.

“I’m excited,” said Jim Gill, UW CES educator in Worland. “This is an offering I think will provide some cutting-edge technology and information that will be helpful to our growers in the Big Horn Basin to produce high-quality hays and to manage and develop irrigated pastures.”

Speakers include Fritz Schweitzer, past president of the National Hay Association. Schweitzer grew high-quality alfalfa in the Powell area for many years, said Gill. He will present “Producing and Marketing High Dollar Hay.” Roger Hybner, manager of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Materials Center at Bridger, Mont., will speak about “Forage and Irrigated Pasture Research.”

Other presenters include:

Alex Latchininsky, UW extension entomologist – “Alfalfa Seed and Forage Insect Control.” John Deering, Colorado State University Agriculture and Business Management economist – “Economics of Irrigated Pasture Production.” He will provide a perspective to how profitable developing land for irrigated pasture is or isn’t, according to Gill.

Mike Killen with the Powell Research and Extension Center will speak on “Sainfoin Varieties and Production.” Completing the day’s programs will be John Hewlett, UW extension farm management specialist, with “Insurance Options for Growers.” Hewlett is coordinator of the Right Risk Program.

Various forage-based companies and industries are encouraged to display their wares, said Gill. He can be reached at (307) 347-3431 to reserve a booth or outside venue.

A $5 registration fee is being charged for those who pre-register by calling the Washakie County UW CES office at the above number or other Big Horn Basin extension offices. They include Big Horn, (307) 765-2868; Park County, (307) 527-8560 in Cody or (307) 754-8836 in Powell; and Hot Springs, (307) 864-3421 or 5283. Registration is $10 at the door the day of the program.

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Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWAG/news.asp

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