22 September 2009

1 minute read

North America

Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered organised by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

“Producers tell us that their prime concerns remain predation, livestock health, and brush and weed control, so that’s what this programme is all about,” said Chase McPhaul, AgriLife Extension agent in Crockett County.

"Livestock losses to predators is a serious and growing problem throughout our area,” he said. “Knowing what to look for and how to deal with the problem in a timely manner is key to making a profit in the sheep and goat business here. That’s why a large part of the afternoon portion of the programme will be devoted to dealing with the topic.”

Speakers and their topics will include:

• Dr. Floron “Buddy” Faries, AgriLife Extension program leader for veterinary medicine at College Station, will teach how to recognize and manage common livestock health problems including anthrax.
  
• Alyson McDonald, AgriLife Extension range program specialist at Fort Stockton, will address the least-cost and most effective methods for controlling prickly pear, juniper, mesquite and several noxious perennial weeds common to the region.
  
• Saidor “Hoppy” Turman, Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service district supervisor at Fort Stockton, will speak on interpreting physical evidence of predation, predator biology, trapping techniques and the role of predator control in predator management.

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