FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  MSU Extension to teach equine sessions in Kalamazoo   

Kalamazoo, Michigan — Horse owners from southwest Michigan and beyond are invited to attend MSU Extension’s Ag Action Day on January 18, 2008 at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Texas Township campus.  This all-day Friday event will include three 90-minute sessions taught by MSU Extension experts.  Session descriptions are as follows:

9:00 – 10:30 AM   Feeding the Old Timer
Caring for our older equine partners can be a challenge.  Learn some nutrition basics that will be helpful for horses of any age, and how to more effectively feed and care for the geriatric horse.                                                                                                                     
Presenter: Karen Waite, Equine Extension Specialist

11:00 am – 12:30 pm   Got manure?  Compost it!   
Horse manure is the perfect feedstock for making compost. In this session you will learn what compost is, how you can make compost from horse manure, and what you can do with finished compost. You will also learn how compost production fits into a manure management plan for your horse operation.
Presenter: Charles Gould, Extension Educator-Nutrient Management

1:30 – 3:00 pm   Buying Quality Hay for Michigan Horses
What is the difference between first cutting and second cutting and why do I care?  What are all those sticks in my hay?  Learn how to identify good quality hay for horses of varying ages and performance categories.  Participants are invited to bring in hay samples for visual appraisal.
Presenter: Karen Waite, Equine Extension Specialist

Ag Action Day is an annual event drawing hundreds of participants each year.  This extensive program includes something for everyone including backyard gardeners, part-time farmers and large crop and livestock operators.  The registration fee is $15 per person for the day and includes lunch.  Registration is at the door.  KVCC’s Texas Township campus is located at 6767 West O Ave.  just off Interstate Highway I-94.  For specific questions about equine sessions, please contact Jane Herbert, MSU Extension Equine Area of Expertise Team, at 269-671-2412 x 222 or email jherbert@msu.edu.  For a complete schedule and listing of Ag Action Day 2008 topics, please contact the Cass County Extension office at 269-445-4438. 

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