The Colorado State University-Extension Office announced a class that director Yvette Henson is excited to offer. Related to water, drought and animals, a panel of speakers will come to Norwood May 16 to discuss “alternative foraging.” Henson said it’s good topic for Wright’s Mesa, since some crops are more drought-tolerant than others and nutritional values differ too.
CSU agronomist Todd Ballard is the first speaker, and he’ll talk about crop production, specifically millet and cowpeas. Ballard has done specific research for Norwood and its climate. He wants producers to know there are choices when planting crops.
And, Hunter Doyle is also on the program. He’ll talk about intermediate wheatgrass, or kernza, along with other perennial forages too. Doyle has also done much research on crops specific to Norwood, and he’s coming prepared to discuss his ideas.
Steve Woodis, a retired wildlife biologist, is also speaking. Woodis worked in Montrose for National Resource Conservation and has 30 years’ experience in knowing what works and what doesn’t. Henson said his knowledge is invaluable, and she referred to Woodis as an expert in forage.
Hannah Holm is also slated to speak on water and soils. She’s planning to give an overview of collaborative research she’s done with Hunter Perry, a colleague with whom she’s been working for water study. Holm will also speak about alternative forages and the big picture. Henson said Holm can discuss why it’s important to bring people together to talk about alternative crops and include stakeholders.
The session takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at Lone Cone Library. A lunch will be served, so the CSU-Extension Office needs a head count in advance. Cost is approximately $35 to pay for the guest speakers’ time, though Henson said nobody will be turned away, if they’re unable to pay.
Henson said she estimated the program room at the library could accommodate as many as 50 people. While anyone interested in drought-tolerant forages and alternative crops is welcome to attend, the session is especially for farmers, ranchers, land managers, students and FFA members.
It’s been a while, since before the COVID pandemic, that Henson has brought together a panel of speakers for educational purposes like this, and she’s excited. The series of grain talks was successful a few years ago. Henson hopes people will sign up for the May 16 session, and all in the San Miguel Basin are welcome.
Another class is taking place June 21, and then Henson will present with Emily Lockard, of Montezuma. Together, they’ll lead a session similar to the native plant classes, though this one will focus on pasture and range field plant identification.
"She will cover grasses, and I will cover herbaceous and woody plants,” Henson said. “We’ll talk about what’s good or not for forage for animals.”
Henson and Lockard plan to do plant surveys that week on Monday, June 17, in preparation for the class. Then, the class site visits will happen in the San Miguel Basin, probably at Lone Cone or maybe Burn Canyon. Henson is speaking with local ranchers for the pasture site visits. They need one with diversity. The class will travel a bit that day in order to see different plant species.
Those interested in either of the sessions should call the Colorado State University-Extension Office and speak with representatives to register.
