FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUG. 23, 2007

Livestock farmers can learn about using baled cornstalks,
other feed alternatives Aug. 30 in Salisbury

RALEIGH – Livestock farmers whose hay supply is dwindling because of the drought can learn about alternative feeds such as baled cornstalks during a workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury. The workshop is free.

“With little hay to be found in North Carolina and surrounding states, corn fodder that is baled after grain harvest and soybeans cut for hay are two feed options that might work for some farmers,” said Ben Knox, regional agronomist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “We’re giving farmers the opportunity to see the forage materials up close and learn how to feed it to their animals.

“We also will be talking about winter annuals like ryegrass and how to fertilize and graze them,” Knox said. “We want the farmers to know what their options are.”

A forage specialist with N.C. Cooperative Extension will discuss the nutritional value of alternative feeds and provide information about how to use them. An agricultural economist with Cooperative Extension will also be there to discuss what these feed options cost.

The Piedmont Research Station is located at 8350 Sherrills Ford Road. For more information about the workshop, contact Knox at (704) 278-9414.

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