Livestock workshops offered in the Valley

Frontiersman.com

MAT-SU — The University of Alaska Fairbanks will teach two livestock workshops in the Mat-Su Valley next month.

Producers, researchers, retailers, policymakers and students will examine the problems and prospects of feeding and grazing practices for multiple species Oct. 18 at the Grand View Inn in Wasilla.

On Oct. 19, the Palmer Center for Sustainable Living will host a mini-workshop. Keynote speaker is former extension veterinarian Ben Bartlett, who recently retired from Michigan State University and now farms 640 acres of grass and raises sheep and cattle.

On Oct. 20, the focus shifts to production of animal fibers like wool or fur and also will be taught at the Palmer Center for Sustainable Living. Guest speaker is Lyle McNeal, sheep, wool and range specialist and a Carnegie professor at Utah State University.

UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Division of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture are hosting the workshops. Registration is $90 for all three days. Cost it $60 for the first two days and $30 for the last. To register, visit bit.ly/P0jTkB, or contact Jan Rowell at (907) 474-6009 or jan.rowell@alaska.edu.