By Ryan McGeeney
Researchers and extension agents with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will be bringing the latest in cattle production knowledge to interested attendees at the Feb. 20 River Valley Beef Cattle Conference in Ozark.
With cattle markets soaring throughout 2023 and regional drought conditions affecting the availability and quality of hay and other forages, attendees can expect the conference to address topics key to success in 2024.
“I think producers are mostly worried about hay and forage shortages,” said Bob Harper, staff chair for the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service. “They are also worried about high fertilizer and input costs in the coming year. I think most of them would like to try and up inputs this spring and summer in order to try and get back ahead of their hay situation, but they are concerned that high fertilizer prices may prevent that from happening.
In-person registration for the conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the conference will. conclude at 12:15 p.m. with lunch. The cost is $20, payable at the door.
Presenters will include Jesse Taylor, staff chair for the Johnson County Cooperative Extension Service; Kevin Van Pelt, extension agriculture agent for the Conway County Cooperative Extension Service; Maggie Justice, extension beef cattle specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture; Jeremy Powell, professor of animal science for the Division of Agriculture; and Ryan Loy, extension agricultural economist for the Division of Agriculture.
Taylor and Van Pelt will discuss the 2023 hay verification report, which will include the latest findings in verification trials. Justice will discuss understanding expected progeny differences, or EPDs, and genetic tests for cattle breeding. Loy will discuss the input price outlook for 2024.
The conference agenda includes:
- Registration Introductions & Welcome
- Welcome from Farm Credit Services
- Hay Verification report – Jesse Taylor & Kevin Van Pelt
- Understanding and using EPD’s & Genetic tests – Dr. Maggie Justice
- Break
- Input Price Outlook – Dr. Ryan Loy
- Veterinary/Producers relationship requirements – Dr. Jeremy Powell
- Live cattle assessment & valuation – Shawn Gattis
- Lunch
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Bob Harper at 479-963-2360 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
Source : uada.edu