Colostrum feed can improve yield and culling rates 05/07/2009 07:00:00 FWi

Inadequate colostrum feeding has huge implications on culling rates and future milk production, said Stephen Acres of the Saskatoon Colostrum Company, Canada, speaking at the recent Large Herd Seminar, Devon.

Aquaponics and Tilapia Aquaculture Short Course

Image via WikipediaAquaponics and Tilapia Aquaculture Short Course
June 15-21, 2008, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands This 7-day course will provide in-depth knowledge of the principles and practical application of the systems that have been developed at the University of the Virgin Islands. Participants will be introduced to a variety of system designs that maintain water quality by various solids removal techniques and by hydroponic plant culture (aquaponics), a suspended growth process (biofloc tank culture) or fixed-film nitrification. Fish production instruction will be conducted using both the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and red tilapia. Hydroponic plant production will focus on vegetables, culinary herbs and ornamental flowers.

Discover Oklahoma: Web site, map link agriculture, tourism

If you're planning a trip to an Oklahoma winery or want to spend a weekend at a quiet guest ranch, two new resources can help you find the perfect destination. to create a new agritourism Web site and map that make it easy to plan memorable day trips or weeklong vacations. The Web site, http://agritourism.travelok. com, and large tri-fold map list hundreds of agritourism attractions across the state by city, region and type of attraction.

Agritourism blends two of the state's largest industries: agriculture and tourism. It often happens when farmers and ranchers diversify their business and invite the public onto their property to buy goods or experience a slice of the country life. Agritourism includes farm and ranch experiences, wineries, farmers markets, hunting destinations, food festivals, western events, birding tours and more. Also known as "agritainment,” some of these attractions cater to people who want to reconnect with their roots or show their children how their grandparents grew up.

Widely recognized as the fastest growing sector of travel and recreation, agritourism is gaining worldwide popularity, and Oklahoma, with its cultural diversity, Western heritage and interesting terrain, is positioned to become a leader in farm and ranch travel experiences. If you haven't had an agritourism experience, here are a few to consider. Call before visiting, because many agritourism attractions are seasonal.