JACKSON, Ohio — Silage updates, forage seeding and heifer selection are just a few of the topics to be covered during the Jackson Beef and Forage Night workshop on Aug. 29.

Experts from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will field questions and provide demonstrations. “Among the many things of interest, the workshop will include the opportunity for beef cattle producers to have an up-close look at replacement females for their herds,” said Kenny Wells, manager of the Jackson Agricultural Research Station.

“The research is part of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) and has been a primary site for reproductive and production management research in beef cattle for more than three decades. The research in forage management systems done at the research station has contributed to the grazing approaches used by many producers today.”

The event will feature presentations from OSU extension and OARDC researchers and educators, including Bill Weiss, David Dugan, John Grimes and Jeff Moore. To be addressed at this gathering is how producers can accurately gauge the nutritional needs of their livestock.

“Nutrient needs of livestock are affected by many factors, including age, body condition score, weather and biological type, or genetics,” Wells said. “At this event we will focus on forages. Forages can make up part or all of the diet for both mature cows and feeder cattle.”

Weiss is a professor of animal science with a concentration in dairy nutrition, ruminant nutrition, forage management and forage utilization.

“Weiss has a wealth of knowledge in the area of ensiled livestock feedstuffs and attendees should come away from his session with some very good information on making and storing high-quality and safe, large-bale silage,” Wells said.

Dugan, an extension educator, has addressed grazing schools throughout Ohio. He often advises farmers on ways to manage weeds in pasture settings.

Grimes is the extension beef coordinator and owner Mapleleaf Farms in Hillsboro, which is the site of the annual Female Production Sale. He is an authority in beef genetics. Moore, an extension specialist from Gallia County, specializes in animal science.

“The session on fall forage seedling will feature both no-till and conventional seeding recommendations,” Wells added. “August through early September is a great window of opportunity for producers to renovate forage stands in both hayfields and pastures.”

Key topics for the field night include high-quality, large-bale silage, high-quality fall forage seeding, heifer selection tools and strategies, heifer development and heifer research.

“The heifer sessions will focus on selection and development of high-quality replacement females for beef cattle producers,” Wells said. “Most sessions will be accompanied by field demonstrations and will allow time for questions.

“The purpose of the forage sessions is to give producers information helping them harvest the best-quality forage possible.”

Pre-registration is required and is $5 per person. Registration deadline is Aug. 26 and includes dinner at 5 p.m. with the program starting at 6 p.m. Make checks payable to Ohio State University/OARDC and mail to: Kenny Wells, 019 Standpipe Rd., Jackson, OH 45640.