Who is learning, networking and gaining? You, the producer.
So why all this education, networking and gaining? Well, for you and your livestock operation. There are great educators in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma that provide field days, meetings and conferences that provide an opportunity for you to do all three of these things at the same time.
According to Shane Gadberry, University of Arkansas animal science associate professor, “Field days give producers an opportunity to not only hear about production practices but also get to see the practice in place. If it is an experiment station field day, producers also get to see the side-by-side comparisons among different options or different levels/rates of application.”
If producers are apprehensive about adopting a practice, often the field day will provide the visual demonstration a producer needs to feel comfortable to begin using this new practice. “Producers should just think of the experiment station as a neighbor and stop in and visit, or attend field days to see what practices are being studied,” Gadberry said.
“It is important for producers to remain educated in the areas of livestock production to enhance their management strategies to become more profitable and sustainable,” said Doug McKinney, Oklahoma State University animal science assistant extension specialist.
“Producers should attend meetings and get involved by asking questions and visiting with the presenters,” McKinney said. “Producers can always take up a valuable piece of information that can be implemented within their operation.”
According to Gadberry, producers will see demonstrations and get first-hand experience from experts in the field providing unbiased, research-based information.
“Many times our minds may be made up about a practice because of information we may have picked up somewhere that is not based on facts,” Gadberry said. “Use what was learned to evaluate opportunities to make changes at home to improve productivity, reduce costs.”
Gadberry suggested that producers keep in contact with their county extension agent for future field days and similar learning opportunities. “Nothing is more valuable than a working relationship with your local county extension office,” Gadberry said.
County extension agents serve on planning committees for these field days and help pick topics that need addressed based upon the needs of livestock producers in the area. Gadberry recommended that livestock producers sign up for their county extension newsletters and also sign up for University of Arkansas’ animal science electronic newsletters.
So, regardless of your production size and location there is an extension educator or livestock specialists available in your area to connect you to a field day in the near future and help you invest in your education, networking and gaining opportunities.
