OSU KBREC To Host Wolf and Livestock Interaction Seminar May 2

OSU KBREC To Host Wolf and Livestock Interaction Seminar May 2.
Cattle, BLM Flickr / Wolf, Stock Photo

OSU Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center to host wolf and livestock interaction seminar

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The community is invited to attend a wolf and livestock interaction seminar on May 2 at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.

The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will focus on the status of wolves in Klamath County, policies regarding wolf management, how wolves may affect livestock production, and strategies that can be used to minimize the risk that wolves present to livestock production.

The seminar is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. on May 2 and will be in hall 2 at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.

“Not only do wolves have the potential to harm livestock, but science done here in Oregon has demonstrated that just the mere presence of wolves has the potential to increase stress levels in livestock, thus having deleterious effects on reproduction rates and weight gain” said KBREC livestock extension agent Ian McGregor. “It’s important that livestock producers get this information to better understand how to minimize the risk that wolves present to livestock production, while staying within the confines of the law.”

Tom Collom, from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, will discuss the current status of wolves in Klamath County and current policies regarding wolf management.  Elizabeth Willy, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will further discuss policies regarding wolf management from a federal level.  John Williams, from OSU Extension in Wallowa County, will also be present to explain the science behind wolf and livestock interactions, and the effects that the presence of wolves is having on livestock.

 “With an ever-changing environment, us as livestock producers need to learn how to change with it”, said local beef cattle producer, Jason Chapman.  “These extension programs are a great opportunity to gain knowledge pertaining to how we can handle some of the issues facing agriculture in our county, and knowledge is power.”

For more information, contact KBREC livestock and irrigation agent Ian McGregor at 541-883-7131, or email him at ian.mcgregor@oregonstate.edu.

About OSU Extension: The Oregon State University Extension Service shares research-based knowledge with people and communities in Oregon’s 36 counties.  OSU Extension addresses issues that matter to urban and rural Oregonians.  OSU Extension’s partnerships and programs contribute to a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future for Oregon.

Press release provided from OSU Klamath Basin Research Extension Center.