Landowners and hunters alike will want to attend an educational tour and workshop sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. The multi-topic educational event will be held on Monday, October 5, 2009 at the Phillips Ranch north of Lohn. Registration will begin at the ranch headquarters at 8:00 am and the program should conclude around 4:00 that afternoon.McCulloch County AgriLife Extension Agent for Ag and Natural Resources, Vance Christie says, “The program will present numerous options that will help land stewards manage property to improve habitat for wildlife while also including options that allow the sustainability of livestock operations.” The agenda includes Brush Busters methods of individual plant treatments for mesquite, prickly pear, yucca and other brush species while revisiting the Brush Sculpting concept that allows desirable plants to be left for wildlife cover and feed sources. A rainwater harvesting station to provide supplemental water for wildlife has been set up on the ranch, and Billy Kniffen will be on hand to discuss rainwater capture options for livestock and wildlife. In addition identification of beneficial range plants for livestock and wildlife will be discussed by Kniffen and Dr. Allan McGinty.

Dr. Rick Machen will present a discussion on utilizing goats and cattle in a rotational system to improve habitat and maximize grazing on native and improved pastures. Christie also states,” that ranch owner Guy Phillips does a great job with his livestock and wildlife management plans, blending improved coastal, klien and Wilmuth Love Grass pastures with his native pastures. Mr. Phillips has several pastures with varied plant populations that allow him to rotate his cattle, protect against overgrazing and maintain grass, forbs and browse for wildlife at the same time”.

The tour portion of the day will wrap up at noon, and the group will travel to the Lohn Tabernacle for a sponsored lunch catered by Mac’s Barbeque. Following lunch, sponsors will be given an opportunity to discuss new products and technologies that landowners can utilize in their operations. John Newman and Bobby Schmidt will present brief updates on NRCS and FSA programs. Dr. Machen will then address the group on blending livestock production and wildlife management for the benefit of landowners and hunters alike. Concluding the program will be Cory Pence, TDA Inspector to discuss Laws and Regulations that affect Pesticide Applicators. 5 continuing education units (CEU’s) will be offered for participants holding their Applicator’s License.

To get to the ranch, from Brady, take US 87 North to US 283 North, go past the Lohn cut-off to County Road 314. Turn right on CR 314 and follow it approximately 2 ½ miles and it will terminate at the ranch headquarters for registration.

Due to meal and space limitations, only 80 participants will be allowed to register. Participants must RSVP to the McCulloch County AgriLife Extension Office before at 5:00 pm, Thursday October 1 and again only the first 80 registrants will be accepted. For more information or to confirm your registration, call 325-597-1295.