Rancher Roundtable

As winter weather sets in, ranchers of the region continue with their work in hopes of creating the best beef products possible. The chilly conditions, unfortunately, will never mark a day off for these producers. However, in an effort to provide strategies and information to ranchers, the local MSU extension office may provide a cozy, but productive, rest inside for the hardworking ranchers of Meagher County. The Rancher Roundtable functions as an opportunity for agricultural producers of the region to socialize while gaining important information pertaining to their craft. The Rancher Roundtable will feature three guest speakers to present on notable topics within the industry. The three topics to be highlighted are managing off-target damage, pest control within livestock, and battling bacteria & fighting worms. Matt Deaton, MDA, will be the first speaker at the educational seminar from one to two p.m.Mr. Deaton will discuss methods and ideas in relation to that of pesticides off-target. Mr. Deaton’s presentation will also showcase real examples of his topics. Attendees will be shown instances where the misapplication, along with runoff and drift problems, of pesticides resulted in issues. In seeing real life applications, attendees should gain an understanding of how to prevent the predicaments in their own practices. Makayla Paul, the local MSU Meagher County Extension Agent, will speak after Mr. Deaton from two to three p.m.Ms. Paul will discuss tactics and techniques to control pests within livestock. Ms. Paul will explain several different examples and how ranchers may benefit from applying these strategies to their own operations. Additionally, through discussing various techniques, Ms. Paul will explain how to prevent insecticide resistance. Lastly, Dr. Emily Gosda from Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service will discuss bacteria and worming procedures from three to four pm. Dr. Gosda will inform attendees of a realistic approach to internal parasite management. Dr. Gosda will also discuss bacterial infection control within livestock. In discussing both topics, attendees are anticipated to gain an understanding of how to best treat both parasites and bacteria while facing anthelmintic and antimicrobial resistance. The Rancher Roundtable event will be held at the Meagher County Community Center from one to four p.m.on Wednesday, November 8. The occasion is intended to bring valuable and practical information to ranchers so that they may improve their herd health strategies. Additional information may be acquired by contacting Makayla Paul by calling (406) 547-3042 or emailing to makayla.paul@montana.edu.