Dalrymple to Speak at Livestock Workshop

A workshop focusing on the contributions of livestock to local economies is slated for Dec. 12 at the North Dakota State University North Central Research Extension Center in Minot.

Ward County Extension Agent Mike Rose says, "This regional event is designed to increase awareness of the economic potential of livestock. Through this meeting we hope to identify communities with an interest in developing new livestock businesses." Rose adds that local extension staff would then follow up with communities, offering assistance and support in developing operations to raise, finish and process quality agricultural products.

Rose says dairies, beef feedlots and hog finishing facilities are possible livestock ventures for communities. "Our local communities have the land base and the feed base to support these types of livestock operations, plus there’s an abundance of agricultural knowledge, so livestock is a natural fit," he says.

Lieutenant Governor Jack Dalrymple will give a presentation on the state’s value-added initiatives. Other workshop topics are North Dakota demographics, financial options and opportunities for livestock ventures and waste management regulations. A panel of livestock experts who manage large-scale livestock operations will talk about their businesses. Sessions on beef, dairy cattle and swine enterprises will address the capital needed to start or expand a livestock operation, annual income and economic contributions to a community.

Registration begins at 9:30 and the workshop runs through 3:30. Lunch will be served at the center. Cost is $5, and pre-registration is recommended by Dec. 8. Pre-register by calling your local county extension agent or by calling Emily Tescher-Johnston at (701) 857-6452. You may also pre-register via email at etescher@ndsuext.nodak.edu .

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