Monett Ag Conference Offers Dairy and Beef Market Insights

By Blake Jackson

The Monett Agriculture Conference will once again spotlight both dairy and beef production, offering producers a full day of education focused on improving profitability and long-term resilience.

The event will takes place Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Monett Armory, where vendors and agricultural professionals from across the region will gather to support the educational program, according to University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel.

The free conference begins at 11 a.m. with a morning session dedicated to dairy production. Bluel said the program will bring together industry experts to address topics that directly influence dairy producers’ bottom lines.

Bill Brooks of Stoneheart Consulting will provide a comprehensive dairy market outlook, breaking down current and future market pressures. Massimo Montalbano with Dairy Farmers of America SE will discuss how milk quality impacts pay price and overall profitability. Bluel will also present on the long-term effects of heat stress during the dry period and how it affects both the cow and her calf.

“With tight margins predicted for 2026, come to learn how a few shifts in management can provide a big return,” Bluel said.

The beef-focused portion of the conference begins at 6 p.m. and will feature a panel including cattle producers, seedstock Angus breeders, and a feedlot order buyer. The discussion will focus on selecting genetics that create efficient, manageable herds that appeal to buyers seeking calves from southwestern Missouri.

Extension faculty will also share examples of how integrating stocker cattle into cow-calf operations has improved flexibility during drought and increased overall profitability. Brooks will return to deliver a 2026 beef market outlook.

“This beef cattle focused conference certainly has the makings for a very interesting and thought-provoking evening for beef cattle managers” says Ian McGregor, MU Extension livestock field specialist.

Lunch and supper will be provided free to pre-registered attendees. Extra funds raised will support a youth agriculture scholarship coordinated by the Monett Chamber of Commerce.

Pre-registration by February 21 is required to receive a meal for both Dairy Day and the Beef Conference.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix