KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Horse owners will learn health care, behavior and tack tips at the Missouri Livestock Symposium, Dec. 6-7, Kirksville.
Internationally known horse trainer Ken McNabb heads the symposium’s equine section this year with talks on making better, safer horse owners. His talks include “Communicating With Your Hands, Feet and Legs,” “Colt Starting” and “Purchasing Your Next Horse With Confidence.”
McNabb holds clinics for horse owners worldwide and appears weekly on the RFD-TV program “Discovering the Horseman Within.”
University of Missouri veterinarian Alison LaCarrubba will join the program this year, says Zac Erwin, symposium vice chair. She will discuss “Equine Dentistry—Why Is It so Important?”
Concurrent talks by national leaders cover beef cattle, sheep, meat goats, forages, stock dogs, farm and ranch succession, and more, Erwin says. He is an MU Extension livestock field specialist.
Also speaking on horses will be Jake McCracken of McCracken Saddles and Tack, Dawn, Mo. He discusses “Custom Saddle Fit for Horse and Rider” and “Custom Saddles—Cost vs. Quality.”
The symposium opens 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. The Saturday sessions run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The annual meeting again features a sold-out agricultural trade show. All is at Matthew Middle School, 1515 S. Cottage Grove, Kirksville.
There are no fees or advance registration.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture organizes meals with contributions from Missouri commodity groups. They give a taste of Missouri.
A beef dinner buffet opens 6 p.m. Friday. A governor’s style lunch is Saturday.
Keynote speaker Friday night is Temple Grandin, animal sciences professor at Colorado State University. Her topic: “Educating Different Kinds of Minds.” She leads efforts on animal care.
For details, go to www.MissouriLivestock.com or call MU Extension in Adair County at 660-665-9866. Garry Mathes, program chair, is at 660-341-6625. Zac Erwin is at erwinz@missouri.edu. He asks that you put “MLS” in the email subject line.
— Duane Dailey, University of Missouri Extension
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