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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Feeding cattle to maximize animal performance and minimize feed costs is the focus of two upcoming Oregon State University Extension Service beef nutrition workshops. The first is scheduled for Nov. 8 in Canby; the second is set for Nov. 9 in Albany.

Workshop instructors are Shelby Filley, regional livestock and forage field faculty member in the Douglas County office of the OSU Extension Service, and Gene Pirelli, regional livestock and forage field faculty in the Polk County Extension office.

"Because feed costs are the single largest expense for livestock producers, feeding efficiency is crucial to helping beef operations stay in business," said Filley. "The workshops will provide information and tools to help producers develop ranch-specific plans for improving their beef nutrition practices."

The workshops will cover several topics, including nutrient requirements, forage nutritive value, balancing rations, supplementation strategies, importance of minerals and vitamins, cow body condition score and heifer development.

Pirelli added that participants may want to have their hay tested and bring along the test results to the workshop. For more information on sampling and testing hay, see the OSU Extension Service publication, "Testing Hay," at: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/douglas/L&F/pdf/TestingHay.pdf.

The cost of the workshop in Canby is $10 per person. A fee of $5 per person will be charged for additional individuals from the same ranch. The cost of the Albany workshop is $30 per person, which includes workshop materials and buffet dinner. A fee of $10 per person will be charged for additional individuals from the same ranch. Pre-registration is required. For more information on workshop locations and topics contact Shelby Filley at 541-672-4461, or by e-mail at shelby.filley@oregonstate.edu, or go online to http://extension.oregonstate.edu/douglas/L&F/pdf/BNWAlbany05.pdf. Information also is available from Gene Pirelli at 503-623-8395; e-mail: gene.pirelli@oregonstate.edu; website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/yamhill/pages/livestock_forage.html.