By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Significant changes for the livestock and feed industries will go into effect January  1, 2017.

According to Ellis County Extension Agriculture Agent Stacy Campbell, the Veterinary Feed Directive or VFD being issued by the Food and Drug Administration, will change the steps producers need to take to provide antimicrobials in feedstuffs.

“Planning ahead will be key, in adjusting to the new procedure,” Campbell says. “To prepare, producers need to become familiar with the regulation and the associated procedures.”

The Ellis County Extension Office, in cooperation with KSU College of Veterinary Medicine, will present information about the Veterinary Feed Directive Tue., Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays. Cost of a meal is five dollars and an RSVP is due by Thu., Nov. 10. by calling (785) 628-9430, or email Theresa at [email protected]u. Walk-ins are welcome although cost at the door is $10 with no guarantee of a meal.

The following evening Wed., Nov.16 another VFD program will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson. Cost of meals and materials is $10. RSVP by Mon., Nov. 7 to (785) 483-3157 or email [email protected].

In collaboration with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension, the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University has developed a new website, VFDInfo.org, which houses modules specific to producers, feed mill operators, veterinarians and distributors. Experts from each sector address concerns and questions to ease the transition under new regulations.