Agricultural News
Wheatland Stocker Conference set for Aug. 29 in Enid
Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:03:12 CDT
Stocker cattle operators looking to make use of the latest science-based management information should register now to attend the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service's Wheatland Stocker Conference on Aug. 29 in Enid.
"Drought conditions continue to plague the region, underscoring the importance of making informed decisions that can have a very real effect on an operation's viability and profit-loss margin," said Greg Highfill, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension area livestock specialist.
The conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Cherokee Strip Conference Center, located at 123 W. Maine Ave. on the south side of Enid's Downtown Square.
There is no cost to attend but participants are asked to pre-register no later than Aug. 24 through their local OSU Cooperative Extension county office or by contacting Highfill by email at greg.highfill@okstate.edu or by phone at 580-237-7677.
"Lunch, refreshments and conference materials are being provided free-of-charge thanks to the generosity of our sponsors; however, we need to have a head-count to ensure we have sufficient numbers on hand," Highfill said.
The conference's initial session will be led by Derrell Peel, OSU Cooperative Extension livestock marketing specialist, and will provide insights on changes in the beef industry and their effect on beef cattle prices.
Chad Wilkerson, vice president and economist with the Oklahoma City branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, then will provide the economic outlook for agriculture in Oklahoma and the United States, including key growth indicators.
Dr. Dan Thomson, veterinarian and Jones Professor of Production Medicine and Epidemiology with Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, will speak on the best practices to manage the health and performance of high-risk cattle. Thomson also will lead an afternoon session on how cattle health and well-being is the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
The morning's final session before lunch - wheat varieties named after buildings have a strong foundation - will be led by Roger Gribble, OSU Cooperative Extension area agronomist.
"The OSU Wheat Improvement Team's most recently released varieties are Gallagher and Iba," Gribble said. "OSU alumni and fans will recognize the names and, of course, the reference to Gallagher-Iba Arena. We will showcase their advantageous traits and discuss how producers can best utilize them in crop production."
Clint Rusk, the new head of OSU's department of animal science, will be the lunchtime speaker. Thomson will then host the first afternoon session.
The conference's final session will be led by Chris Richards, OSU Cooperative Extension beef specialist. He will provide insights and practical tips on how to get the most out of supplementation programs in a time of high grain and cattle prices.
"Participants also will be able to visit trade show booths and interact with product and company representatives in addition to attending conference sessions," Highfill said.
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