SW Missouri Beef Cattle Conference Set for February 27

By Blake Jackson

“Heifer development, cattle health and taxes are important to cattle producers,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.

To address these priorities, MU Extension is partnering with Missouri State University (MSU) to host the SW MO Beef Cattle Conference, an educational event focused on timely issues facing today’s cattle operations.

“The conference will be on Feb. 27 at the Christopher S. Bond Learning Center at the Darr Agricultural Center, which is part of the Darr Agriculture College at MSU,” says Davis. The facility is located at 2401 South Kansas Expressway in Springfield. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., and the conference will continue throughout the day.

“This conference will discuss many current topics in the cattle industry with the goal of providing education to make cattle operations successful,” says Davis.

The program will feature presentations from university specialists and industry experts. Topics include heifer development nutrition, presented by Adam McGee, assistant professor of animal science at MSU; financial considerations of buying versus raising replacement heifers by James Mitchell, assistant professor and extension economist with the University of Arkansas; and hot topics in beef cattle health, led by Craig Payne, extension veterinary director with MU Extension. Wesley Tucker, MU Extension agribusiness field specialist, will also discuss cattle operation tax implications related to political policies.

“Agriculture businesses that support the conference will have booths set up,” says Davis. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with vendors and learn about products and services that may benefit their operations.

Lunch is included with registration. The cost to attend is $20 per person, with registration and payment due by Feb. 20. No walk-in registrations will be accepted, and refunds will not be issued after the deadline. Businesses interested in hosting a booth must register and pay by Feb. 13.

For registration or additional details, contact the Cedar County MU Extension Center at 417-276-3313 or Patrick Davis directly at davismp@missouri.edu.

Photo Credit: usda