Erath County
DAIRY TOUR

Tour Host: Joe Pope, Erath County Extension office

The Erath County Dairy Industry welcomes participants of the Dairy Housing V Conference for a tour on February 1st. Located approximately 60 miles west of Fort Worth, Erath County is the home of 90,000 dairy cows, located on 126 dairies.

Erath County is the number one dairy county in Texas, with over $200 million in milk sales in 2001. You will have the opportunity to visit both drylot and freestall dairies. These operations use total mixed rations and have rolling herd averages of over 22,000 lbs/cow/yr.

The dairy industry in Erath County grew during the late 1980's and the 1990's, with producers moving here from other states, particularly California, Washington, Arizona and the Netherlands. Even though the number of dairies has decreased in recent years, the average herd size has increased.

On the tour you will have the opportunity to see what producers have done to address the environmental concerns facing all producers. The dairies have implemented new management practices to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the waste stream (with an emphasis on phosphorous). Texas heat in the summer time is another area that producers continually address, and you will have the opportunity to see and hear how they are dealing with cow comfort.

The local dairy industry welcomes your participation on this tour, where you will have the opportunity to see all aspects of dairying in central Texas and visit with some very progressive producers.

Cost: $50.00
Includes deluxe coach transportation, plastic boots for biosecurity, lunch, and tour guide(s).

Tour will depart from the Radisson Plaza Hotel and return at the end of the day to the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

WEATHER: Please note that even in Texas winters can be at times harsh. Dress accordingly for the season - be prepared for possible cold and wet weather conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This tour will honor all customary guidelines preventing transmission of disease.