Brush management meeting scheduled

The main objective of brush control is to minimize the population of woody plants on rangeland to increase or maintain an optimum amount of area available for livestock grazing. Other potential benefits of brush control include: increased forage quality; increased animal production; easier handling and care of animals; and reduction of potential fire hazard if volatile fuels like cedars are removed.

The key to brush management is recognizing potential problems and controlling them before they become severe.

With those factors in mind, a Brush Management Field Day has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 24 near Savonburg.

The program begins at 8:30 a.m. with topics to include management considerations, brush ID, treatment options and cost-share program information. Demonstrations will be given on shears and saws and a walk-through treatment area will be utilized.

The program is organized by the Conservation Districts in Allen, Neosho and Bourbon counties, Dow AgroSciences, and K-State Research & Extension. Lunch will be provided and the program should conclude by 2:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is requested by Aug. 17 by calling the Allen County Conservation District at (620) 365-2901, ext. 3. The program will be conducted east of Savonburg, four miles off of U.S. 59 Highway.

Detailed instructions are available from the conservation district or extension offices.