Oklahoma Beef Congress set for April 16

“Management decisions and their effect on breeding programs, production efficiency and carcass merit are changing beef production and adding a variety of marketing options for producers,” said Bob LeValley, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension area livestock specialist.

The congress will take place at Limestone Feeders, located eight miles east of Guthrie on the north side of State Highway 105. Program sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run through mid-afternoon.

“There is no cost to attend, but we ask that participants pre-register by April 11 to ensure we have sufficient conference materials, refreshments and lunchtime meals on hand,” LeValley said.

To pre-register, contact LeValley at bob.levalley@okstate.edu by e-mail or at 580-255-0546 by phone.

The OK Steer Feed-Out is an Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service program that allows producers to feed a set of five steers through the feedlot. Performance results and carcass data are collected by Extension personnel to assist producers in evaluating their cattle and herd management needs.

“It’s more important than ever for producers to be able to see if their market animals fit today’s beef industry specifications, thanks in part to consumer demand for quality products and packers taking more of a value-based marketing approach,” LeValley said.

Chris Richards, OSU Cooperative Extension beef cattle specialist, will lead a session on the use of distiller’s grains in beef cattle management.

Brad Morgan, OSU animal science professor of meats, will share the latest information on beef quality issues.

Stan Bevers, Texas A&M Extension economist, will provide insights about the latest beef cattle market information and outlook.

Ashley Carroll of the Oklahoma Beef Council will showcase the benefits of the Beef Quality Assurance program.

Wayne Shearhart, retired OSU Cooperative Extension educator and member of the OK Steer Feed-Out committee, will share the market cattle evaluation data garnered from this year’s spring-born steers.

Other program participants will include Kent Barnes and Greg Highfill, OSU Cooperative Extension area livestock specialists; Gary Van Horn, manager, Limestone Feeders; and Dallas Moore, director of membership and junior programs, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.

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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
News and Media Relations Manager
Agricultural Communications Services
143 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu

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