DATE: 5/15/2006

CONTACT: Howard van Dijk, (803) 773-5561; hdijk@clemson.edu

WRITER: Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343, ext. 241; tlollis@clemson.edu

Clemson sets beef field day at WatereeRiver Farms

SUMTER – Clemson Extension Service has scheduled a Beef and Forage Field Day for June 3 at Wateree River Farms.

“Producers who are interested in cattle management, forage production and weed identification are invited, but they must register to attend,” said Howard van Dijk, Clemson Extension agent in Sumter County. Call the Sumter County Extension office at 803-773-5561 by May 31 to register and receive directions to Wateree Farms.

The program, organized by the Central Cattlemen’s Association, runs from 8:15 a.m. until around 3 p.m. Lunch will be served.

John Andrae, Clemson University forage specialist, will talk about new forage varieties and Greg Harvey, Extension agent in Sumter County, will speak on weed identification and control.

Bobby Summerset of Wateree Farms will speak on cattle management, and his colleague, Ray Watford, will talk about the heifer barn and cattle working facility.

“We will also have a demonstration on cattle identification and the use of electronic ear tags,” said van Dijk. A hay equipment demonstration is also scheduled.

Since Wateree Farms is a facility of the South Carolina prison system, program participants must be pre-registered. No one will be allowed to bring a weapon onto the facility. You must have a picture ID in your possession at all times, stay with groups and avoid contact with inmates. Cameras will be allowed with restrictions.

To prevent contamination while attending the field day, participants should not wear clothing and shoes that have been worn on their farms while working with animals.

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