15th Annual Clover Forage Field Day

The 15th Annual Clover Forage Field Day was held April 30, 2008, at the Iola Community Center and was sponsored by the Bedias Creek Soil and Water Conservation District at Iola, Texas. Approximately 135 landowners attended to learn methods and techniques for managing clovers.

This year’s theme was "Just Getting Started." Producers learned about establishing clover on small acres with short duration grazing of grass and clovers, installing and utilizing electric fences in small operations, and using multiple species of grasses to benefit landowners.

Floyd Nauls, Jr., NRCS district conservationist in Madisonville, provided information about rotational grazing, livestock selection, and clover that grow in the area.

During the afternoon session, Gene Sollock, rancher, discussed techniques used on stocker operations and chicken litter utilization.

Natural Resources Specialist Teresa Reese, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, explained NRCS regulations and specifications for litter application practices on pastures.

An overview of NRCS conservation programs was provided by Susan Baggett, NRCS state resource conservationist, Temple. Baggett emphasized the benefits of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program nationally, as well as throughout Texas.

The group also toured Star Haven Farms owned and operated by Ray and Karen Hadaway. The group viewed a clover management project up-close.

This year’s Clover Field Day was sponsored by Coufal-Prater County store; First State Bank of Bedias; Tractor Supply of Navasota; Fi-Shock Energized Fencing; Fairlie Seed Company; Navasota Livestock Auction; Bob Hughes Display; and Standley Feed and Seed. A special thanks goes to The Bank of Madisonville for the use of its barbeque pit.

A bountiful supply of clover feeds the goats on the Star Haven Farm.	Landowners gather around a speaker to learn more about clover.

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