Area beef cattle producers are encouraged to mark their calendars for two fall programs that focus on cow/calf management and forage management.

The first workshop is scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Mike Johnson Farm located at 3453 Old State Road, Venus, Venango County.

Scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the program will focus on animal handling systems, calf processing and castration, herd management, body condition scoring and culling decisions.

On Nov. 3, a workshop focusing on grazing forage management will be held at Heritage Hill Farm, 860 Hill Road, Clarksburg, Indiana County.

Topics of discussion will include extending the grazing season, soil compaction, crop residues, feed inventories and uses and sorting cattle based on nutritional need.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. and wrapping up at 1 p.m., the morning’s program will also include a pasture walk.

There is a $5 per person registration fee that will include coffee and donuts. Although walk-ins are welcome, registration is encouraged.

For additional program information or to register, contact Dustin Heeter, Westmoreland County Extension, at 724-837-1402 or e-mail at ddh7@psu.edu.

Looking ahead to future programs for beef cattle producers, the annual winter beef meetings are planned for Feb. 6, 13 and 20 at the Wesley Grange in Barkeyville.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.