Dr. Flavio Ribeiro, Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences
at TAMU-C, discusses carcass quality in beef cattle, in relation to respiratory
disease damage, at Monday's Beef Shortcourse.

 

Local Cattlemen Learn About Latest
Developments in Industry at Shortcourse, Monday

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Stacy Fox, with Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, in Ft. Worth, gave beef producers
an update on recent legislation and media coverage concerning the beef industry, at Monday's shortcourse.

 

It was approximately 40 local cattlemen that gathered at the Professional Ag Worker's Building, in Buford Park, on Monday afternoon, to learn about the latest technology in beef cattle production. They were attending the Cattleman's Field Day, presented by The Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Idexx Laboratories, Boehringer Ingelheim Company, Dow AgroSciences, Gold Standard Labs, Purina, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. "We're here to discuss the latest trends in beef cattle production, hear updates on a number of timely topics, and learn about new products that are available on the farm and ranch, to add profitability to the beef herd," explained Dr. Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Extension Agent.

The program was for cattlemen in Hopkins, Hunt, Fannin, Collins, Kaufman, Camp, Titus, Rockwall, Morris, Bowie, Cass, Lamar, Wood, Rains, and Dallas Counties, and featured an impressive group of speakers from local Universities, pharmaceutical companies, feed and nutrition experts, as well as veterinary medicine practitioners.

 

 

Monday's program began with a "beef," what else would have been served, luncheon, provided by the sponsors of the event and continued with an afternoon of informative programs. Speakers and their tops included: Neal Odom, IDEXX, "BVDV-PI...What is it and how so few can affect so many!"; Chris McClure, God Standard Labs, "BVDV-PI Testing"; Doug Hawkins, Purina, "Nutrition and Reproduction"; Brant Mettler, Dow, "Pasture Management through Weed and Brush Control"; Stacy Fox, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, "Beef Cattle Industry Update"; Dr.Flavio Ribeiro, TAMU-C, "Respiratory Diseases and Their Effects on Carcass Quality"; and Dr. Mac Devin, Boehringer Animal Health, "Importance of Injection Sites and Vaccination Management." Also, a producer panel discussion was conducted on value adding to your cow herd and calf crop, with a question and answer session, from the speaker panel.

 

 

Additionally, there will be another program sponsored for local cattlemen, to be held at Sulphur Springs Livestock and Dairy Auction, on July 9, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., that is sponsored by the Texas Beef Council. The program will focus on "Getting More Money for Your Market Beef and Dairy Cows," when you cull them. There will be a live cow demonstration, as well as carcass and meat processing highlights, and question and answer sessions for producers.

 

Profitable marketing of beef and dairy cows will be discussed at the seminar slated for July 9th,
at Sulphur Springs Livestock and Dairy Auction.

 

"The weather is hot and it's a great time to take advantage of these sessions, that are hosted in the air conditioning," expressed Dr. Mario Villarino. "Hey, you didn't want to be out digging fence post holes, anyway!"

Deadline to register for the July 9th seminar is July 2, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. The program has no cost but they need to know if you are coming to make lunch preparations. Reserve your spot by e-mailing your reservation to jhodgkins@txbeef.org or calling 1-800-846-4113.

 

 

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