Learn Cattle Feeding and Marketing at MU Workshop

By Blake Jackson

University of Missouri Extension is offering cattle producers an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of grading, feeding, and marketing practices through an upcoming educational workshop.

“Providing education to cattle producers in the areas of cattle grading, feeding and marketing helps them make management decisions to add value to their cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.

To support producers in understanding how calf performance and carcass traits influence market value, MU Extension is collaborating with the Show Me Youth Ag Academy, Missouri State University, and ACRISURE-Gibson Insurance to host a Feeder Cattle Grading, Feeding and Marketing Workshop.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Lamar First Baptist Church FLOC Building, located at 1301 E. Sixth St., Lamar.

“A portion of this program will focus on various aspects of the steers enrolled in the Missouri Steer Feedout Program,” says Davis. The November 17 enrollment included steers from six farms, giving youth and owners hands-on experience in managing and marketing feedlot cattle.

Participants also receive feeding and carcass data to guide future decisions. Lonnie Peetz, USDA market reporter, will review the grading and pricing of program steers, while Jim Schultz of Joplin Regional Stockyards and Eric Bailey, MU Extension beef nutrition specialist, will address buying, feeding, and marketing strategies.

“Risk protection is a very important tool to help in protecting profitability when feeding cattle,” says Davis. Chris Lynch of ACRISURE-Gibson Insurance will provide insight into risk-management options.

The workshop is free, and a meal will be provided. Registration is required by Dec. 1. To register, visit the online portal or call the MU Extension Center in Barton County at 417-682-3579. For additional details, contact Davis at 417-276-3313 or davismp@missouri.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix