The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, North Central RC&D, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks will host a Beef and Bobwhites field day on Tuesday, June 22, 2010. The program starts at 9 am at the Gordon Farm near Batesville and will conclude by 2 pm at Charles Ray Nix WMA near Sardis. Attendees will be responsible for travel from the Gordon Farm to the management area (about 5 miles). The field day is free of charge and open to the public. Producers, landowners, and other interested persons are invited to attend. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register contact the Panola County Soil and Water Conservation District at 662-578-8045 ext 3.

The field day will demonstrate conservation practices that improve livestock performance and provide habitat for bobwhite quail and other wildlife. Topics covered include intensive rotational grazing, native grass forage establishment and management, proper hay storage techniques, managing bobwhite habitat in grazing systems, and available cost-share programs for grazing lands and habitat management. The field day will conclude with a tour of the bobwhite management practices on Charles Ray Nix WMA.

To get to Gordon farm from Batesville, travel north on Old Panola Road approximately 2 miles to the intersection of Old Panola and Curtis Road. Turn left on Curtis Road and the Gordon farm will be on your immediate right. Please carpool where possible to help with parking. For more information contact the Panola County Soil and Water Conservation District at 662-578-8045 ext 3 or email john.gruchy@gmail.com