DELANCEY — Beef producers in Delaware County will have two opportunities in March to attend spring cow-calf workshops centered on a deceptively simple management tool: body condition scoring.
The sessions, titled “The Value of Body Condition Scoring,” will be held March 9 and March 17 at separate farm and community locations, with identical presentations offered at each.
On Monday, March 9, the program runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m., beginning at 5 p.m. at Brookside Farm, 2544 Highway 2, Delancey, operated by Matt and Micah Scobie. The evening will continue at 6 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County’s Hamden office, 34570 Highway 10.
A second session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., starting at 1 p.m. at Crystal Spring Farm, 36 Martin Road, Stamford, operated by John Trovato. The program will then move at 2 p.m. to the Hobart Community Center, 60 Cornell Avenue.
Organizers said regular body condition scoring — a method of visually and physically assessing fat cover on cattle — can provide insight into herd health and productivity. Maintaining appropriate body condition in adult cows affects reproductive performance, the growth of nursing calves and the efficiency of feeding programs throughout the year.
Participants will practice scoring a group of cows and review several scoring aids. Presenters will discuss how body condition relates to reproduction and overall health, and outline feeding adjustments for thin, over-conditioned and ideally conditioned animals.
The workshop also qualifies for one of three continuing education credits required for automatic renewal of Beef Quality Assurance certification.
There is no cost to attend, and a meal will be served at both locations. Organizers ask that participants register at least two days in advance by contacting Kim Holden at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 607 865-7090 or kmh19@cornell.edu
