CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — A set of four upcoming meetings will help beef producers take a fresh look at their facilities or help new producers decide what they need to modify their current barns to accommodate cattle.
“Beef cattle have different spacing requirements and bunk management varies greatly from other animals,” explained organizer Taylor Zahn, Livestock Beef Educator.
“These meetings will emphasize the appropriate floor and bunk space required to manage beef cattle and address questions related to converting existing facilities to beef producer systems.” Presenters include Dr. Tara Felix, Extension Beef Specialist, who will discuss cattle spacing requirements, including how much space beef cattle require at the feed bunk, for example.
She will be joined by Dan McFarland, PSU Extension Educator- Ag engineering, and John Tyson, PSU Extension Educator- Ag engineering, who will present information on how to use
pre-existing infrastructure to effectively raise beef cattle.
Lastly, information regarding how to find and apply for available infrastructure grants will be a part of the evening. According to Zahn, “there are grants out there to help beef producers build
their production into a more suitable and safer environment.”
Locations and times include the following:
● Dec. 6 2022: Belle Vernon, Clarion Inn Hotel (827 Finley Rd, Belle Vernon);
● Dec 8 2022: Mercer, Penn State Extension Meeting Room (463 N Perry Hwy, Mercer);
● Feb. 14 2023: New Holland, Yoders Restaurant & Buffet (14 S Tower Rd, New Holland);
● Feb. 16 2023: Chambersburg, Penn State Ext Meeting rooms (181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg)
Each program will start with a 5:30 p.m. registration and meal at 6 followed by the informative program which will end with questions at 8:45. Online registration is available at https://extension.psu.edu/modifying-your-infrastructure-for-beef-cattle and call (877) 345-0691 with any questions.
Dinner will be provided for those who pre-register and walk-ins are welcome.
The program is supported by the Pennsylvania Beef Producers Working Group and JBS USA.
–Penn State Extension