Learn Good Horsekeeping at Ag Expo
6/5/09
Contact: Laura Probyn
517-432-1555, ext. 175
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Horse owners and barn managers can learn more about keeping their equine friends happy, healthy and well fed during special activities July 23 at Ag Expo.
Whether they are experienced equestrians, new owners or contemplating purchasing that first horse, visitors who travel to the Michigan State University (MSU) campus to attend the annual farm show, which runs from July 21-23, can learn about such topics as rotational grazing, body condition scoring and economical management tips during events set to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MSU Extension educator Matt Shane will give show goers insight on discovering the possibilities for establishing rotational grazing on small acreages, including helping participants learn how to install, move and repair temporary fencing during hands-on activities. He will also discuss the equipment that’s available to fence off small areas inexpensively.
Fencing can be a considerable expense -- and a considerable concern -- to small-scale livestock and horse owners. Many may not realize that with just a little effort and a small investment, they can trim feed expenses and make better use of their pastures through rotational grazing.
“The biggest problem small-scale livestock producers and horse owners face is having too little land and too many animals,” Shane says. “If you can rotational graze, you can extend the grazing season and reduce feed purchases. It’s all about trying to maximize the efficiency of the pasture. All species can benefit from rotational grazing under the right circumstances.”
Karen Waite, MSU Extension equine specialist, will offer strategies that horse owners and barn managers can use to make economically sound management decisions and will show visitors how to determine the body condition score of their equine charges.
“Summer is the best time to develop cost-saving equine management strategies that can be used throughout the year,” Waite says. “At Ag Expo, we'll talk about ways to save money on everything from hay to healthcare."
Visitors can also explore more than 250 commercial exhibits, test drive tractors, and talk with representatives of companies ranging from pole building manufacturers to implement dealers and seed sellers.
Ag Expo features commercial farm equipment from throughout the Midwest and several Canadian provinces on the 35-acre exhibition site, as well as educational exhibits from several MSU colleges and departments.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 21 and 22, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23. Admission to the grounds and parking at Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road are free. Because of the construction on Farm Lane, the Ag Expo parking area and grounds will be accessible only from Mt. Hope Road.
For more information about Ag Expo, call 800-366-7055 or visit www.agexpo.msu.edu.
Ag Expo is sponsored by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
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