For most of us gaining 3.71 pounds a day would not be considered a success. Not so in the case of 25 calves used in a 21-day feed trial that was a joint venture between Northwest Mississippi Community College, Purina and the Tate County Co-op.

"The 25 calves, bulls, steers and heifers, were on Purina feed for 21 days," said Lawrence "Bud" Young, agricultural business and management technology instructor. Students in this program participated in the initial recording of weights on Oct. 25, and the final weighing done on Nov. 15.

The culmination was the sharing of the results for a Field Day held at the Northwest Farm on Nov. 15. During the day, Jon Law, Purina representative, talked about the Impact Starter Feed and also about other nutritional supplments and feed products. He discussed body conditioning scoring (BCS) and what the nutritional needs were of cattle with different scores. Law set up pens of cattle with different BCS to demonstrate the appropriate supplements and feeds available.

Students from the agricultural business management technology and veterinary technology programs in addition to local cattlemen attended the one-day seminar. As a co-sponsor of the program, the Tate County Co-op provided the lunch meal and workshop supplies including feed, vaccine, panels and troughs.

"We are always looking for opportunities to give our students hands-on experience and exposure to new technology and information," said Young.

For more information on the agricultural business technology program, contact Young at (662) 562-3430.