(TOPEKA) – A live cattle-handling demonstration by renowned horseman and lifelong Montana rancher Curt Pate will highlight the program August 20 during a field day at Dry Creek Ranch near Olsburg. The operation, owned by the Bill Edwards family, revolves around a commercial cow-calf business. This will be the first of three ranch management field days presented by the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) and Kansas State University.

As a stockmanship instructor, Pate has conducted horse and cattle-handling demonstrations for more than 15 years. He was a technical advisor for the 1998 movie “The Horse Whisperer” and currently serves as an instructor for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Stockman & Stewardship Tour. During his seminar at Dry Creek, Pate will discuss the five principles of cattle behavior that should be considered when gathering, penning, processing and hauling cattle. He also will explain the critical role proper handling plays in increasing consumers’ confidence in beef.

K-State Associate Professor of Range Management Walt Fick will provide information to help identify “old world bluestem” grasses, which are not native to the Flint Hills, but are invading native grazing lands in eastern Kansas. He will explain the impact this invasive species can have on grasslands if left unchecked and discuss control practices research has shown to be effective.

Another educational session will focus on brush and tree control in native pastures. As dogwood and other invasive woody plants continue to be a threat to healthy grazing lands, landowners are looking for management strategies. Pottawatomie County Agriculture Extension Agent Glenn Brunkow will share the latest research on control methods, including optimal application rates for various herbicides.

Attendees also will hear from K-State veterinarian Larry Hollis about the reproductive and fertility problems trichomoniasis can cause for cowherds. He will provide an overview of the health threat, including how it infects cowherds and management tips for preventing this disease.

The Olsburg field day will begin with registration at 3:30 p.m. and conclude with a free beef dinner at 6:45 p.m. All livestock producers and others involved in the business are invited to attend.

Dry Creek Ranch is located in Pottawatomie County. From Olsburg, go west on Highway 16 about 2.5 miles to Dry Creek Road, then go south 1.4 miles to ranch headquarters. From Randolph, go 5.5 miles east on Highway 16 to Dry Creek Road, then go south 1.4 miles to ranch headquarters. Directional signs will be posted.

KLA and K-State also will host ranch management field days August 25 at Stroberg Land & Cattle near Hutchinson and August 27 at the Ken and Barb Grecian operation near Palco. Unique aspects of each ranch will be incorporated into the educational sessions.

Bayer Animal Health and the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas are sponsoring all three events. For more information, go to www.kla.org or call the KLA office at (785) 273-5115.

KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of independent beef producers at the state and national levels. Members of the association are involved in all segments of the livestock industry, including cow-calf production, backgrounding, cattle feeding, swine, dairy and sheep.