Biologists to discuss sunflower crops

Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff members will discuss ongoing research related to damage by wildlife to sunflower fields at a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Dolores County Courthouse, 409 Main St. in Dove Creek.

The agency started work during the summer of 2011 to try to determine how to keep deer and elk from eating sunflowers in this area.

Wildlife managers put up three types of temporary fencing to study their effectiveness. Also, some deer and elk were fitted with radio collars to track their movements. At the meeting, agency biologists will discuss the research design, field activities expected to occur during the next year, share preliminary information from the study and answer questions.

Parks and Wildlife also seeks sunflower growers who are interested in participating in the research project this summer.

For more information, call Matt Hammond at 749-8804.

Patti Buck named to national cattle board

Local cattle rancher Patti Buck was named vice president of the American National Cattlewomen and Cattlemen’s Beef Board during recent meetings in Nashville, Tenn., with 8,268 cattle producers in attendance.

Wayne and Patti Buck of Ignacio both attended the meetings. Patti will serve a four-year term.

Other new board officers are President Tammi Didlot, Moore, Okla.; and president-elect Barbara Jackson, Tucson, Ariz. Board members promote beef and educate students and consumers about the benefits of beef.

For more information or to join, visit www.ANCW.org.

Refunds available for horse gelding

Fresh Start Horse Rescue has received a grant from the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance to provide reimbursement for area residents who have stallions and colts gelded (neutered).

Residents of Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, San Juan and Dolores counties are eligible.

To receive the rebate, send name and address with a copy of the veterinarian’s itemized receipt showing the line item “castration” to Gelding Assistance Program, P.O. Box 124, Lewis, CO 81327. There is no limit to the number of colts/stallions per individual.

For more information, email info@freshstarthorserescue.org, visit www.freshstarthorserescue.org or call (970) 882-7522.

Herald Staff