WEST PLAINS, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is offering a day of learning in Howell County for farmers who grow hay and livestock producers who buy hay.

“With the increased costs of producing and buying hay, the frequent damage from armyworms, and the damage to forage stands from several years of drought, this is the perfect time to consider how to dial in your hay-making to produce a good-quality product,” said Elizabeth Picking, MU Extension livestock specialist. “If exclusively buying hay, livestock producers should also learn what to look out for to get the best product for their investment.”

MU Extension agronomy specialists Tim Schnakenberg and Haley Schwantz will cover managing soil fertility for hay, forage selection and quality for hay production, pest management, and hay and round bale silage harvest systems.

Picking and MU Extension livestock and dairy specialists Eric Meusch and Chloe Collins will discuss hay tests, livestock nutrition and hay feeding efficiency.

Jake Hefley, MU Extension ag business specialist, will cover managing the cost of hay, which has become a significant issue for both hay growers and buyers in recent years.

The MU Extension Hay School is 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the MU Extension Center in Howell County, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains.

Preregistration is required. The cost to attend is $10. To register, contact MU Extension in Howell County at 417-256-2391 or go to https://extension.missouri.edu/events/howell-county-hay-school.

This program is made possible by gold sponsors Morlan – Shell Ford, Inc.; Dr. Peters – Animal Clinic of Ava; and Bayird Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat of West Plains, along with silver sponsor FCS Financial of West Plains.