Released June 2, 2008

URBANA, Ill. - Registration is now open for a University of Illinois Extension multi-species grazing conference to be offered at three locations in July. The conference will be offered July 24 in Milan, July 26 in Lincoln, and July 31 in Marion.

"The program will focus on the advantages and risks of mixing pastured livestock species," said Dean Oswald, a U of I Extension animal systems educator. "The conference will highlight the addition of meat goats to sheep, cattle, or horse grazing operations in Illinois for a more sustainable pasture system with more profit potential per acre."

Also sponsoring the conference are the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council and the USDA's Risk Management Agency.

Each conference begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. Topics to be covered include: Understanding Livestock Species Grazing Behavior/Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiple Species Grazing; Pasture, Weeds, Brush, and Poisonous Plants; Health or Parasite Worries When Species Co-Mingle; Do Sheep and Goats Offer Profits to Cattle Grazers?; What Forages are Suited for Multiple Species Grazing; and Fencing Considerations that Work for "Hard-to-Control" Species.

Presenters include U of I Extension specialists and veterinarians. Participants will have the opportunity to question and discuss ideas with presenters. Lunch will be provided.

Advance registration is due one week prior to the program date. The registration fee is $30 per person. The second person from a farm is $20. Late registration is $35/$25 per person. On-line registration can be completed at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/macombcenter/ . Checks can be mailed to the Macomb Extension Center, 480 S. Deer Road, Macomb, 61455.

Questions about specific registration and meeting locations should be directed to:

Milan Conference: Rock Island County Extension Unit, 4550 Kennedy Drive, Suite 3, East Moline, 61244, (309) 796-0512.

Lincoln Conference: Logan County Extension Unit, 980 Postville Drive, Lincoln, 62656, (217) 732-8289.

Marion Conference: Williamson County Extension Unit, 1306 N. Atchison Ave. Suite A, Marion, 62959, (618) 993-3304.

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http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4410.html

Contacts: Dean Oswald, (309) 836-2265

Bob Sampson, 217-244-0225, rsampson@uiuc.edu