Drought Survival Tour in Barry County August 14

GALENA, Mo. – The drought this summer has caused headaches and heartaches for farmers who are preparing to feed cattle this winter with little forage and hay on hand. The Barry County Extension Center is offering a tour starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14 near Pleasant Ridge, Mo. for farmers who want to gain tips for surviving the drought.

The Forest Family Farms, location of this tour, is located one-half mile north of Pleasant Ridge on the east side of Farm Road 1150. Pleasant Ridge is located seven miles east of Monett on Highway Z and four miles west of Highway 39 in northern Barry County.

The program will focus on how to deal with high nitrate levels in feeds, precautions for nitrates and prussic acid, how to stretch hay supplies, renovation of pastures, fall forage alternatives, supplementing pasture and hay and ammonization of low quality hay. Renovation of pastures with annual ryegrass will be a focus of this tour since it has been successfully used on this farm.

“The drought has taken a major toll on beef and dairy farms in the area. High nitrates and short hay supplies will continue to plague these farms as we go into winter. Farmers need to know the precautions to take and take extra steps to stretch their feed supplies.” said Tim Schnakenberg, an agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension based in Galena.

Schnakenberg, along with Dairy Specialist Tony Rickard and Livestock Specialist Eldon Cole, will lead the tour and be available for the discussion.

Water and pop will be provided by the Aurora Agri-Center but attendees should bring their own lawn chairs. Contact the Barry County Extension Center at (417) 847-3161 for more information.