There are two excellent opportunities for local livestock producers to learn more about the innovations and changes to the industry and implement many of those changes into their own livestock operations.
The first is the 2008 Beef Stocker Field Day in Manhattan on Oct. 2, 2008. This field day, hosted at the KSU Beef Stock Unit, presents the latest practical information to help producers adapt to the recent significant changes in the beef industry. The general session presentations include “New Realities of Conducting Business in the Stocker Segment” and “Current Concepts in Medicated Feed Additives.”
Breakout session topics include: the importance of temperature when diagnosing sickness, rational choices for stocker therapy, the use of byproducts for exploiting efficient performance, implications of heavier cattle being fed shorter days, a visual tour of the progression of pneumonia, proper injection considerations for the assurance of quality beef and how much cutting bulls really cost.
Other activities for the day include conference proceedings, a barbecue brisket lunch and door prizes. Registration is $25 and is due by Sept.15. More information on the 2998 Beef Stocker Field Day can be found at www.ksubeef.org
K-State is also providing an opportunity for livestock producers to participate in a steer futurity, the K-State Wildcat Steer Futurity. This educational program is designed to provide Kansas beef cattle producers with the opportunity to experience the cattle feeding industry. Beef cattle producers will not only gain the experience of feeding cattle in a commercial setting, but will also have the opportunity to participate in field days and other related educational events.
Nominations for K-State Wildcat Steer Futurity are due Oct. 17, 2008. For an overview of the program and a list of the health requirements, log onto the Ford County Web site at www.ford.ksu.edu and look under livestock, or contact Dr. Justin Waggoner, Southwest Area Beef Systems Specialist at 620.275.9164.
Dodge City —
