Deer Lodge hosts annual livestock seminar

By Pat Hansen for The Montana Standard - 01/06/2009

DEER LODGE — A day of education and entertainment will highlight the 37th annual Livestock Seminar in Deer Lodge on Saturday.

Admission is free to the educational session that begins at 1 p.m. at the Powell County Community Center, located behind the courthouse. The program will include information that will help producers increase their bottom line by controlling noxious weeds, cutting expenses and/or by optimizing hay and pasture management.

Speakers include Jane Mangold, John Paterson and Dennis Cash, all with the MSU Extension Service.

In the evening, at the St. Mary's Center, across from the Granville Stuart School on St. Mary's Avenue, a cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m. followed by a prime rib dinner at 7 p.m.

Comedian Damian Mason of Indiana will sow seeds of laughter with stories and observations called "Humor for the Heart of Agriculture." Mason combines his farm background with a sense of comedic timing for a relevant and uplifting presentation that resonates with today's agricultural professionals, a spokesman said.

The evening will conclude with dancing to the music of DJ "Doc" Savage from Anaconda.

Tickets for the banquet, entertainment and dancing are $20 per person and must be purchased by Friday.

Call the event sponsor, the Deer Lodge Valley Conservation District, at 846-1703, ext. 300, e-mail: Susie.Johnson@mt.nacdnet.net, or stop by the office at 1002 Hollenback Road.