Livestock, Dairy & Forage

 

Plot grazing

 

Extension agricultural programs are focused on farms and ranches with concern for environmental stewardship, consumer health and farm safety. The Livestock, Dairy and Forage program builds public awareness of the economic, social and environmental benefits of agriculture. Subject matter is based on research.

Educational programs are provided in livestock and dairy management, pasture and grazing management, food safety, and environmental stewardship.

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Livestock

There are 21,200 head of beef cattle in Coos County and breeding cows make up 9,500 of this number. The 11,200 head of sheep in the county include 6,400 breeding ewes. More than 88,000 acres of hill land are used for grazing cattle and sheep; over half of this is improved to some extent.

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Dairy

The mild climate allows a long forage production season for grazing dairy cattle on river bottom soils. There are 22 dairy farms and a local dairy replacement heifer raising facility in the area (2003) . Milk cow numbers total 3,250 head.

Agricultural programs for the people of Coos County are focused on farms and ranches with concern for environmental stewardship, consumer health and farm safety. The program builds public awareness of the economic, social and environmental benefits of agriculture. Subject matter is based on research and demonstrated successful experience.

Local agents collaborate and work as team members with campus-based specialists, other county agents, local farmers/ranchers, agricultural suppliers and marketing firms to deliver programs of mutual interest and benefit.

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Forages and Pastures

The forage program in Coos county covers a variety of issues. Extension's agricultural program provides education, training, and technical assistance to people with agriculturally related needs and interests. Major program emphasis is on food and fiber production, farm business management, marketing and processing of agricultural products, and resource use and conservation.

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Weed Control

The first weed control district was formed in 1949 to battle the noxious weeds gorse and tansy ragwort. Weed problems continue to be a concern for landowners today. There are studies being conducted in the Coos and Curry county area to determine the best control methods for a variety of weed species.

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