U of M Extension to host Summer Beef Essentials webinar series

The University of Minnesota Extension is hosting a webinar series titled: Summer Beef Essentials Webinar Series. Zoom meetings will be on May 13, 17, 20, 24, and 27 from 8-9 p.m. CST. This webinar series will focus on different considerations to prepare for parasite and fly control, summer stressors on the cow herd, pasture and weed management, and practices to help producers extend the grazing season. Farmers, 4-H members, ag business professionals who work with farmers, and those interested in beef cows are invited to attend.

May 13: Summer Stressors Impacting Reproduction in Minnesota Beef Herds

Topics to be discussed: How heat, transportation, handling, and change in nutrition can all have an impact on performance and reproduction in the beef herd.

Speakers: Melissa Runck, Pipestone and Murray counties Extension educator and Brenda Miller, Todd County Extension educator

May 17: Fly Control Strategies for Pasture

Topics to be discussed: The presence of flies on pastured cattle can have a significant impact on cattle health and performance. Dave Boxler will discuss the different species of flies that impact cattle and the control methods available to producers to manage them.

Speaker: Dave Boxler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educator — Livestock Entomology

May 20: Managing Winter Feed Yards for Sustainable Use

Topics to be discussed: Management of winter feed yards, how to capture value in excess nutrients, manure removal in preparation for seeding, and goals of a designated “healing area.” Learn how to redevelop sod, establish new root mass, and when to change management systems to address issues. Will also discuss green-up versus weeds, perennials versus annuals, and impacts on calf health.

Speakers: Dr. Eric Mousel, Cow Calf Management Extension educator and Troy Salzer, St. Louis County Extension educator

May 24: Pasture and Fence Line Weed Control Management Strategies

Topics to be discussed: The implementation of chemical, mechanical, and cultural weed management practices to control persistent annual, biennial, perennial and woody species in pasture and fence line systems. We’ll also discuss the management of noxious weeks, and how to increase stocking rate through the utilization of intensive mob grazing.

Speaker: Tarah Young, Carlton County Extension educator

May 27: Extending the Grazing Season

Topics to be discussed: Options to extend the grazing season through practices such as grazing cover crops and crop residues, use of stockpiled forages, perennial grass, standing corn, and millet. We’ll also discuss soil fertility recycling, improving forage utilization, how to utilize perennial grass to improve grazing distribution, and considerations for water access and fencing within crop fields.

Speakers: Dr. Eric Mousel, Cow Calf Management Extension educator and Troy Salzer, St. Louis County Extension educator

Registration is required. Please register at z.umn.edu/SummerBeef by 5 p.m. CST the day before each event. You will receive a Zoom link following registration. You only have to register once and you will be registered for all subsequent webinars. If you are unable to attend the live sessions, you will receive the recordings for all the sessions via email at the end of the series. Any questions please contact Brenda Miller at nels4220@umn.edu

Southwest RSDP seeks applicants for board members

The Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Southwest RSDP) is seeking applicants for membership on the board of directors.

Southwest RSDP is one of five regional partnerships across the state that connect local communities with University of Minnesota resources. Southwest RSDP board members and staff work together to foster community-university partnerships that support sustainable development in Greater Minnesota.

The Southwest RSDP board is composed of community volunteers from the region along with representation from University of Minnesota faculty and staff. RSDP strives to reflect a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives among its board membership.

Successful board candidates will:

• Contribute diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and viewpoints

• Operate with integrity in making decisions

• Embrace complexity and innovation

• Be committed to building resilience and sustainability in rural Minnesota communities — economically, socially and environmentally.

Board members work together to make decisions about how to invest resources in community-driven projects in four focus areas: sustainable agriculture and food systems, clean energy, resilient communities and natural resources.

For more information please see z.umn.edu/rsdpboard. To apply, please complete the application linked from the bottom of that page. Board member applications are received on a rolling basis, but are preferred by June 3, for consideration this summer.