BROOKINGS, S.D. — Surviving economic downturns in beef markets without negatively impacting the long-term production and longevity of operations will be the focus of the SDSU Extension cow/calf winter workshops.
SDSU Extension will host the cow/calf workshops January 23, 2017 in Union Center at the Central Meade Community Center (19617 Ball Field Rd. Union Center, SD 57787) and January 24, 2017 in Mitchell on the campus of the Mitchell Technical Institute, in the Nordby Trades Center (1800 E. Spruce St. Mitchell, SD 57301).
“During times of narrow margins, it may be easy to get caught up in cutting costs in order to save a dollar here and there, but not all areas of production can be cut without having long-term negative implications,” said Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist. “Placing more focus on increasing herd retention and longevity are practices that, if implemented right, can result in saving feed and labor costs and lead to long-term profitability.”
After attending the workshop, Grussing said cattle producers should have some practical production and economic goals set for their cow/calf as well as an outlook and plans for 2017.
Registration and workshop details
The workshops begin at 10:30 local time and will run until 4 p.m. To attend, simply RSVP by Jan. 18, 2017 to Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist at Taylor.grussing@sdstate.edu or 605-995-7378.
To help cover expenses, this workshop will cost $10 at the door if RSVP by Jan.18 or $20 at the door if no RSVP is received (and the meal will not be able to be guaranteed).
Workshop Topics
Finding Females for the Cowherd led by Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist; this discussion will focus on what to look for when retaining or buying heifers for cowherd replacements.
Longevity in the Cowherd led by Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist; this discussion will focus on how management and selection decisions can impact lifetime productivity and longevity of the cowherd.
Preparing for the Banker led by Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist;, this discussion will focus on steps to take when preparing to visit with a lender and what can be done to increase positive outcomes.
Cow/Calf Market Outlook led by Matthew Diersen, Ph.D., Professor & SDSU Extension Risk/Business Management Specialist, this discussion will wrap up the day with a look at the cow/calf market and 2017 economic forecast.
— SDSU Extension
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