NMSU Corona research center to host field day July 19

DATE: 07/07/2014
WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu
CONTACT: Shad Cox, 575-849-1015, shadcox@nmsu.edu

CORONA – Ranchers will have an opportunity to learn about the research being conducted at New Mexico State University’s Corona Range and Livestock Research Center during a field day on Saturday, July 19.

“The primary mission of the Corona center is to enhance the understanding of woody brush invasion, hydrology, cow-calf production, and big game management, and to develop innovative solutions to improve economic development in rangeland-bound communities,” said Shad Cox, superintendent of the 27,886-acre working ranch laboratory that is located near the geographic center of the state, just east of the village of Corona.

“During the year, we host Ranchers’ Roundtable events where experts on a specific topic answer questions of the ranchers,” Cox said. “The field day will give them a chance to learn about the research being conducted here at the research center and interact with faculty and graduate students.”

During the field day, attendees will learn about research in:
• Heifer development on native and irrigated pastures.
• Fly control and its impact on cow performance.
• NMSU Corona ram test
• Juniper feeding to sheep
• Reproductive programs for ewes
• Supplemental rumen protected amino acids influence on lamb growth and fetal programing
• Ranch management programs and feedlot health.
• Potential to use genetic markers to select cattle for grazing distribution
• Targeted cattle grazing to reduce fine fuels and improve other ecosystems services.
• Targeted grazing of juniper saplings at the Corona ranch
• Habitat selection of livestock
• Associations among cattle on rangelands: Do cows have buddies and does it matter?

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the program starting at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served following research poster presentations. For directions to the research center, visit www.corona.nmsu.edu.