About Us
County Impact Statements - Washington County
A Sale Barn Education
"A sale barn education" may conjure up different things to different people.
To the beef and forage producers of Washington County it has been the place to
be every Monday night in February from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the last 25
years, where they learn the latest information on things relating to beef
production.
Why has the program lasted so long? Gary Proctor of Prairie Grove said "It’s
a place were farmers can come as they are and be relaxed instead of sitting in a
classroom." Maybe that is why attendance is usually over 100 each night with
some programs over the years drawing in over 200 producers. County Agent Merle
Gross hopes it’s because producers know it’s a place where good factual research
based information is given in the language that people who work day to day, up
close and personal, with the cows can use. Also, the programs are developed each
November by a committee of local producers that keep the topics in line with the
current concerns of the local producers.
Washington County has the largest number beef cattle in Arkansas with about
1,850 producers. The Washington County Beef Cattle Short Course has been
reaching over 10% of these producers every year for the past 25 years to give
them a "Sale Barn Education" to keep them on top in the beef business in
Arkansas.
The Washington County Livestock Auction Barn has been the home
of the Beef Cattle Short Course for over 20 years.
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Impacts
- The Beef Cattle Short Course set the stage for the Extension Educational
program for the year.
- Pesticide Applicators Training in Washington County Started with the
BCSC and certified over 150 producers the first year and re-certifies this
many every five years.
- Producers keep up dated on matching cows to bulls to keep up with
changes in market demands.
- Water quality issues are addressed to keep animal agriculture doing
their part to maintain the beauty of the Ozarks natural streams.
- Pasture management and forage utilization education help producers make
the best use of the nutrients produced on the farm.
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