ISSUE
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
15
Ju n e 2012
Page 1
Inside this Issue
Rain Dance Requested
Yet another interesting spring, with unseasonably warm weather and not enough moisture. I’m still including the drought map and I Grazing for Cool and Warm Season added SNOTEL snowpack maps from this year and last year. You Grasses ........................ 1, 3 & 4 can compare the maps and see the remarkable difference. For a long term weather prediction you can read Chris Woodka’s take on Drought Monitor/ SNOTEL .........2 Brian Bledsoe’s weather predications from the Drought Know a Native .........................3 Preparedness workshop at http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/a-wet-fall-cold-winter-couldEquine Herpes Virus Update. .....4 be-in-store/article_1feac5a4-a300-11e1-952bRabies is on the Rise ................5 0019bb2963f4.html?mode=story Message from Emily .................1
Vesicular Stomatitis ......................... 6 What is a Cottage Food? ................. 7 Event Announcements ......... 7-11 Calendar of Events ................. 12 Office Hours: Monday—Friday 8 a.m.—5 p.m. (excluding holidays) CSU Extension Pueblo County 701 Court St., Suite C Pueblo, CO 81003 Phone: (719) 583-6566 Fax: (719) 583-6582 http://pueblo.colostate.edu
www.facebook.com/ CSUExtensionPueblo All articles written by Emily Lockard unless otherwise indicated.
A few workshop are fast approaching in June. Be sure to check out the event announcements and event calendar, hope to see you there! Best wishes,
Emily Lockard Extension Agent Range and Natural Resources Management
Grazing for Cool and Warm Season Grasses Have you ever noticed how different grasses grow at different times of the year? Some come up early in the spring and others wait until the heat of the summer to grow. Range grasses can generally be placed in two groups, cool-season grasses and warmseason grasses. Cool-season grasses do most of their growing in late fall and early spring. An example is Western wheatgrass which starts growth in early spring, goes dormant in summer and begins to grow again in the fall if there is enough soil moisture. Other cool season grasses, like cheatgrass can actually start germinating in the late fall, followed by rapid growth in early spring. Warm-season grasses will do most of their growing during late spring, summer or fall. An example is Blue grama, which starts to grow in May or June and goes to seed June to October. Another example is Sand dropseed which starts growth in early spring and seeds mature June to August. Continued page 3
Emily Lockard is the Extension Agent for Range and Natural Resources Management in the Colorado State University Extension Pueblo County office. She can be reached at (719) 583-6566 or Emily.Lockard@colostate.edu. Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
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Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
Continued Drought Update
The following are maps from the U.S. Drought Monitor http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
As of June 5 the majority of Pueblo County is classified as being in a moderate drought, but a small eastern part of the County is now considered to be in a severe drought. This map is updated weekly and can be viewed at http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ DM_state.htm?CO,W From this website, if you are viewing the US map, click on the state of Colorado to view a more detailed map of Colorado. The snowpack in Colorado is well below average. To the right is a map that shows Colorado’s current snowpack as 3% of normal. To view this map or look at past maps go to: http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/snow/snow_all.html Click on the link titled ―Colorado SNOTEL Snowpack Update Map‖ (about 3/4 down under ―Daily products‖), for the most up to date map. For archives from January 1997 to present click on ―Colorado Snowpack Maps‖ under ―Monthly reports.‖
This year *2012*
Last year *2011*
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
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Know a Native— Needleandthread, Hesperostipa comata
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
Native, Perennial, cool season grass Fresh, stem cured nutrient values: Dry matter– 100%, Protein– 4.1%, Total digestible nutrients (for sheep) 48.5% Starts to grow early in the spring, matures in summer and reproducers from seeds and tillers. Forage value is considered fair to good for livestock and poor to fair for wildlife. Cures well for fall/winter forage for livestock. Can contaminate fleeces and carcass. Prefers very well drained soils. USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 1: 177.
Photos: Sheri Hagwood at USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Cool and Warm Season Grasses cont.
Sources: Jurgens, Marshall H. Animal Feeding and Nutrition. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2002. Stubbendieck, James, Stephan L. Hatch, and L.M. Landholt. North American Wildland Plants. Lincoln and London: University of Nebraska Press, 2003.
Cool season
Warm Season
Crested wheatgrass Alkali sacaton As you can imagine, it is beneficial to have both cool and warm season Indian ricegrass Big bluestem grasses in your pastures. Certain grazing strategies can decrease plant Junegrass Blue grama diversity and specifically, the diversity of cool and warm season grasses. It Little barley Buffalograss is important to note the time of year you are grazing in the same area because it will impact the diversity of plants that grow. Always grazing in Needleandthread Galleta spring may reduce Smooth brome, always grazing in the summer may Orchardgrass Red/Purple threeawn reduce Blue grama. With proper rest you can graze and not decrease the Smooth brome Sand dropseed diversity of grasses, but continued grazing or repeatedly grazing in one area Western wheatgrass Sideoats grama at the same time of year can decrease diversity. One reason for a decrease in diversity is when an animal grazes a plant they are impacting the plant’s ability to regrow and succeed. Leaf material taken from a plant stresses the plant, but with proper rest the plant recovers and continues to grow. Repeated grazing (defoliation) can stress the plant so much that the energy stored in its roots isn’t enough for the plant to regrow. A lot of other factors contribute (available moisture, temperature, disease) to a plant’s overall health, but if the plant doesn’t have enough plant matter left or energy in root reserves the plant can eventually die from overgrazing. This is why plants need adequate rest after being grazed to replenish their energy reserves and leaf area so they can be healthy growing plants. How can you impact plant health with your grazing system? A continuous grazing system will usually decrease plant diversity and general plant vigor. These areas will have a hard time dealing with and recovering from drought as their plants may already be stressed from grazing. If you can rotate the season of grazing and rest year to year, grasses that normally grow at various times will be able to grow and recharge their energy reserves making them more resilient to grazing and other factors such as drought. What can you do to encourage a diversity of plants? Rotate the season of use. By rotating the season of use you spread the impact on specific plants to different season in different years, increasing the chance they will have the energy to recover in the height of their growing season. Allowing a long enough rest period for plants to store enough energy in their root systems to recover is always beneficial. Continued page 4 Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
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Equine Herpes Virus Update
Southern Colorado
Colorado Department of Agriculture Office of the State Veterinarian EHV-1 Update: 5-22-2012 The Colorado Department of Agriculture is continuing to investigate and monitor horses exposed to one horse with a confirmed case of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) within the state; a Douglas County premises remains under quarantine. Strict bio-security and disease prevention practices have been instituted on the quarantined premises. This quarantine may be released in seven days if there are no additional horses showing clinical signs. Three facilities received horses from the same transport vehicle. Horses at those facilities remain free of clinical signs of EHV-1. The movement restrictions on these facilities will be released on May 22, 2012, as they have completed the 21-day observation time period. Unlike the EHV-1 outbreak in 2011, the initial case in Colorado originated from an out-of-state stable where there have not been any other positive horses. To date, no other Colorado exposed horses have become ill with similar signs. With the exception of the initial case and contact horses’ premises the State Veterinarian is not recommending movement or event restrictions. The State Veterinarian encourages horse owners and event managers to observe basic biosecurity practices such as limiting horse-to-horse contact, separating feeding, watering and tack supplies, and eliminating shared water sources at events to minimize transmission of all infectious diseases. EHV-1 is not transmissible to people; it can be a serious disease of horses that can cause respiratory, neurologic disease and death. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. The virus can also spread through the air, contaminated tack and equipment, clothing and hands. Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise. While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable and owners are encouraged to talk to their veterinarian about vaccine which can offer some level of protection against EHV-1. Additional Resources: A Guide To Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Resources http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/ American Assoc. of Equine Practitioners Fact Sheet http://www.aaep.org/pdfs/control_guidelines/Equine%20Herpes%20Virus.pdf
Cool and Warm Season Grasses cont. You can impact plants when grazing in winter or when plants are dormant. Pastures that are always used for winter pasture may have a decrease in the number of forbs or shrubs available for winter grazing because they are overused in winter. You can attempt to alleviate this problem by rotating which pasture you use for winter grazing. Why should you be concerned if you have a diversity of cool and warm season plants? Cool-season and warm season plants will have different nutrients available during various times of the year. How do you know if you are increasing or decreasing plant diversity? You can implement rangeland monitoring to track changes. This can be as simple as taking pictures, or as inPicture source: Grass Growth and Regrowth for Improved Management. 2000. Oregon State University. <http://www.fsl.orst.edu/forages/projects/regrowth/default.cfm > depth as identifying plant species in a specific area. For more information on Grass Growth and Response to Grazing go to http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/natres/06108.html to view factsheet 6.108. Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
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Rabies is on the Rise—Implications for Livestock
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
Nick Striegel, DVM, MPH Colorado Assistant State Veterinarian, Colorado Department of Agriculture The incidence of rabies in skunks is on the rise in Colorado! The best source for the statistics of rabies surveillance in Colorado is the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) rabies webpage which can be accessed at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/. The referenced webpage has many helpful resources for veterinarians, public health personnel, educators, and the public. Two important points are the following: Animal owners need to be aware that rabies is transferring from one species to another and they should monitor their animals for symptoms. Local veterinarians are a valuable resource to help decide the best course of action to protect their livestock and pets from rabies. One very revealing statistic can be found comparing the number of rabies-positive skunks diagnosed from 2011 to the first five months of 2012. Last year in 2011, there were 23 rabid-positive skunks diagnosed in Colorado; as of May 11th, 2012 there have been 31 rabid-positive skunks diagnosed. Many of those rabid skunks have been diagnosed in counties close to the Front Range. Rabid-positive skunks is important as skunks are the most common species involved in the transmission of rabies virus to livestock. In addition, they are a major vector of transmission of rabies virus to other species such as cats and dogs too. Rabies is transmitted from infected animals to other species through a bite or by the introduction of virus-laden saliva into a fresh wound, cut or mucous membrane. A rabies-infected animal can expose owners, veterinary personnel, and many other people to rabies. There is no treatment for rabies once an animal becomes infected so veterinary medical and public health efforts have traditionally been focused on prevention. Veterinarians and public health professionals have always recommended vaccination of dogs and cats to prevent infection and to reduce the incidence of rabies in humans in whom it is also a fatal disease. When questions arise about rabies in horses, cattle, and other livestock; the answers are not black and white but it depends largely on that particular case. The clinical signs in livestock are highly variable ● Depression with loss of appetite ● Lameness and / or incoordination ● Increased sensitivity to being touched ● Swallowing problems and drooling ● Possible aggressiveness
but can include some or all of the following: ● A low-grade fever ● Neurological symptoms, including convulsions ● Vocalizations ● Odd behavioral changes, nervousness, irritability ● Abdominal pain or colic (straining to urinate or defecate)
Rabies or suspicion of rabies is a reportable disease in Colorado. Even if rabies has not been diagnosed, practicing veterinarians need to call the State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-239-4161 to report suggestive clinical signs of rabies. If it is after-hours, our office phone message will indicate which staff veterinarian is on call.
Turkey Creek Conservation District Noxious Weed Control Program for Pueblo County Troubled with noxious weeds on your property? We can help! Free Property Evaluation Free Comprehensive 3-Year Noxious Weed Management Plan Cost-Share on Expenses for Controlling Weeds Professional Herbicide Application Available Free Follow-Up Inspection and Recommendations
Contact Turkey Creek Conservation District at 719-543-8386 ext. 116 or email: info@puebloweeds.com website: www.puebloweeds.com Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
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Second Case of Vesicular Stomatitis Confirmed in NM
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – New Mexico has reported a second case of vesicular stomatitis (VS) that was confirmed on May 31st near the town of Peralta, just south of Albuquerque. This second case represents a northern movement of the virus that has been typical in past years. The primary spread of VS is thought to occur through insect vectors that migrate along river valleys. Colorado livestock owners are warned to take added precautions due to the proximity of the virus. ―Vesicular Stomatitis can be painful for the animals and costly to their owners,‖ said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. ―While this virus does not typically cause death, the animal can suffer from painful sores so it is important to monitor herds for symptoms.‖ VS is a Foreign Animal Disease that occurs sporadically in certain areas of the western United States. Index cases are typically seen in Texas, New Mexico or Arizona. The last confirmed case of VS in Colorado was in 2006. Veterinarians and livestock owners who suspect an animal may have vesicular stomatitis or any other vesicular disease should immediately contact State or Federal animal health authorities. Livestock with symptoms of VS are isolated until they are cleared through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s diagnostic laboratory testing. There are no USDA approved vaccines for VS. While rare, human cases of VS can occur, usually among those who handle infected animals. VS in humans can cause flu-like symptoms and only rarely includes lesions or blisters. Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Signs and Transmission VS susceptible species include horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, deer and other species of animals. The clinical signs of the disease include vesicles, erosions and sloughing of the skin on the muzzle, tongue, teats and above the hooves of susceptible livestock. Vesicles are usually only seen early in the course of the disease. As the disease progresses, the ruptured vesicles erode to produce areas where the epithelium sloughs. Animals with oral lesions may refuse to eat and/or drink due to discomfort which results in weight loss. Coronary band lesions can result in lameness in one or more feet. In severe situations, the hoof may slough or hoof growth may be permanently impacted. The transmission of VS virus is not fully understood. Most cases are likely spread by insect vectors particularly along river valleys. Biting flies have been shown, both in natural and experimental infections, to be capable of transmitting VS. Sand flies (Lutzomyia spp.) and black flies (Simulium spp.) have been identified as important species in the transmission of VS. Tips for Livestock Owners • Strict fly control is an important factor to inhibit the transmission of the disease. • Avoid transferring feeding equipment, cleaning tools or health care equipment from other herds. • Colorado livestock owners should contact the state of destination when moving livestock interstate to ensure that all entry requirements are met. A list of contact information for all state veterinarians’ offices is available at: http://www.colorado.gov/ag/animals. • Colorado fairs, livestock exhibitions, and rodeos may institute new entry requirements based on the extent and severity of the current VS outbreak. Be sure to stay informed of any new changes event requirements. For additional information, contact the Colorado State Veterinarian’s office at 303-239-4161 or visit http:// www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/fs_vesicular_stomatitis_2012.pdf
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
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What is a Cottage Food?
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
Lois Illick, Family and Consumer Agent, CSU Extension - Pueblo County On March 15th the Colorado Legislature passed a bill that would allow home kitchens to produce and sell certain ―cottage foods‖ directly to the public. Cottage foods include jams, jellies, and certain baked goods, as well as spices, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, candies and fruit butters (except pumpkin). However, it does not include pickles, pepper jellies, or barbeque sauces since these are considered ―acidified foods‖. There can be no potentially hazardous foods such as cream pies, cream fillings, salad dressing or flavored oils. If foccaccia bread is sold, it is not allowed to have cheese or vegetables in the mixture. A cottage food vendor can only sell to a consumer – not another business for re-sale—from home, roadside stands, or venues like farmers’ markets. There are some expectations from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for the producers of these foods. Producers need to have certified food safety training and label the food very carefully with specific information including ingredients, contact information and allergy disclaimers. Label contents and disclaimers can be found in the web links below. A cottage food producer is not allowed to gross more than $5,000 per food sold and is responsible for complying with the laws, rule and regulations related to sales. Please be aware that eggs sold at farmers’ markets are still regulated by the Health Department. The Colorado Farm to Market website (www.cofarmtomarket.com) has a checklist for cottage food producers that will guide the producer to be safe and within the law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) interpretation of the law is at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/cp/index.html If you are interested in the food safety training required by CDPHE, CSU Extension is offering it several times in the next few months.
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Registration is due Friday June 15th (sorry, late registrations/walk-ins will not be accepted) Please include payment with registration, Cost: $10, (includes lunch) – *Cash or Check Only* Write checks to ―Extension Program Fund‖ Registration must be postmarked by June 15th Mail Registration and Payment to: CSU Extension – Pueblo County, Attn: ARKWIPP 701 Court St., Suite C Pueblo, CO 81003 With registration please indicate which location you are registering for along with your name, address, phone number and email.
Go to: State http://arkwipp.org/pdf/2012ARKWIPP-Conference.pdf to download registration form andtofor more information. Colorado University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available all without discrimination.
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Event Announcements
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
Poisonous Plants and Grazing Management Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 6-8:30 p.m. *New Location* Pueblo County Conference Room 1001 North Santa Fe Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003 Bring in plants you think are poisonous or have questions regarding their toxicity! Poisonous Plants to Horses and Cattle (including issues with Selenium) Anthony P. Knight, BVSc., MS, DACVIM Prof. Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dept Clinical Sciences Horse and Cattle Grazing Management Emily Lockard, CSU Extension—Pueblo County Range/Natural Resources Register by Friday, June 15
Cost, $15/per person, $25/ couple sharing materials Bring/mail check or cash to: CSU Extension—Pueblo County 701 Court St., Suite C, Pueblo, CO 81003 Write Checks to ―Extension Program Fund‖ Call (719) 583-6566 for more information or with questions.
Small Scale Poultry Workshop For those interested in small scale production, from backyard to small business Saturday, June 23, 2012, 9 a.m.-12 noon CSU Extension-Pueblo County 701 Court St., Ste C., Pueblo Kristy Pabilonia, DVM CSU, Assistant Professor of Avian Disease will discuss diseases, nutrition, housing & care. Emily Lockard, CSU Extension—Pueblo County will discuss local regulations. Register by Monday, June 18 Cost, $15/per person, $25/couple sharing materials Bring/mail check or cash to: CSU Extension—Pueblo County 701 Court St., Suite C, Pueblo, CO 81003 Cash or checks only, Call (719) 583-6566 with questions. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Colorado State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating. If you wish to participate in any Extension events/activities listed and need special accommodation, please notify Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture Pueblo Countyatcooperating. Extension to all without discrimination. CSU Extension—Pueblo County and (719) 583-6566 least 5 working daysprograms prior to are theavailable event/activity.
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Event Announcements
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
Attention Hay Producers The CO Dept. of Ag is preparing to publish the 2012 Colorado Hay Directory. Livestock owners use the directory to find and buy Colorado hay. The directory will be available in August at agriculture events across the state as well as the state fair, National Western Stock Show and the Colorado Farm Show. The directory will also be available online. Listing fee is $25.00, and the deadline is June 15, 2012. Forms are available at the Extension office (719-583-6566), or from the Dept. of Ag at 303-239-4115 or www.coloradoagriculture.com. Advertising opportunities are also available.
The Pueblo County Stockmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association is sponsoring The Ranch Rodeo to be held on July 7, 2012. The Ranch Rodeo will be held at the State Fair Grounds Arena in Pueblo. Entry fees must be paid in advance. Entries will close at 5:30 pm on July 7, 2012. The entry fee for the 4-man team will be $280 which will equal $70 per person. Any questions or information needed, please call: Doug Thacker at 948-2608 or Dan Henrichs at 947-3579.
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
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Event Announcements
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
2012 Native Plant Education Native Plant Master Summer AgrAbility Workshop
Rehabilitating The Colorado Farmer and Rancher June 22, 2012, Fort Collins, CO This workshop will help health professionals, extension, and vocational rehab professionals become more culturally and clinically competent providers of care for the agricultural population. For information or questions contact: Jill Sump 303-385-7636 or email at jsump@goodwilldenver.org
Each course is held on three Saturday mornings, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lake Pueblo State Park, June 9, 16, and 23 YMCA Camp Jackson, June 30, July 7 and 14 Tuition is $50 for volunteers, $90 for non-volunteers. Fee includes class materials. Pre-registration required. Course fulfills requirement for teacher recertification with no college credit.
Additional Native Plant Education Opportunities Gardening with Native Plants Class Saturday, June 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Lake Pueblo State Park, Free Grass Identification Workshop Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. to about 3 p.m. Aiken Canyon, Colorado Springs, $20. Please bring your own lunch. Additional information available at CSU Extension-Pueblo County. 719-583-6566
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
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Calendar of Events
Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter
June 9, 6 and 23, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Native Plant Master course, Lake Pueblo State Park, call CSU-Extension/Pueblo County for more information. 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., DIY Energy Assessment Workshop. Pueblo County Conference Bld., 1001 N. Santa Fe. Ave. Cost $10, payable at the door. Lunch included with registration! To register call Sharal Foss at (970) 491-6281. 19, 6-8:30 p.m., Poisonous Plants and Grazing Management. Pueblo County Conference Bld., 1001 N. Santa Fe. Ave. Register by Friday, June 15. Cost is $15/person, $25/couple sharing materials. Call (719) 583-6566 with questions. 20—Pueblo and 21—Granada, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 4th Annual ARKWIPP Conference, Restoration Planning and Techniques Following Tamarisk/ Russian-olive Control. *The same conference will be held at two separate locations on two separate dates* Go to http:// arkwipp.org/pdf/2012ARKWIPP-Conference.pdf to download registration forms and for more information. For more information about the conference, please call (970) 256-7400. For more information about registration call (719) 583-6566. 22, Fort Collins, CO Summer AgrAbility Workshop, Rehabilitating the Colorado Farmer and Rancher. For information or questions contact: Jill Sump 303-385-7636 or email at jsump@goodwilldenver.org. 23, 9 a.m.-12 noon., Poultry Workshop, CSU Extension-Pueblo County 701 Court St., Ste C. Register by Monday, June 18. Cost is $15/person, $25/couple sharing materials. Call (719) 583-6566 with questions. June 30, July 7 and 14, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Native Plant Master course, YMCA Camp Jackson, call CSU-Extension/Pueblo County for more information.
July 28, 9 a.m. to about 3 p.m., Grass Identification Workshop, Saturday, Aiken Canyon, Colorado Springs, $20.
August 22, 7:45 a.m.—5:30 p.m., ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Training. Registration due by August 8. Call CSU Extension—Pueblo County for more information. Monthly meetings: Pueblo County Stockmen’s Association meets the first Thursday of each month at Mesa Vet Clinic at 7:30 p.m. Turkey Creek Conservation District meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month, Time: 2:30 p.m. Location: 200 S. Santa Fe Ave., 4th floor, Call: (719) 543-8386 Ext. 116 for details. South Pueblo Conservation District meets the 3rd Thursday of every month, Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: 200 S. Santa Fe Ave., 4th floor, Call: (719) 543-8386 Ext. 3 for details. Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.