LANCASTER, Pa. — The long-held tradition of the annual mid-winter meeting of area beef cattle producers is celebrating its 50th year milestone at the upcoming Lancaster Cattle Feeders Day on Feb. 5 at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center.
“We as organizers wanted to mark this special event with a range of speakers who will not only educate producers on ways to improve their operation but also for participants to see how the beef cattle business has grown and changed in 50 years, as well as get a fresh perspective on the future of the industry,” said Cheryl Fairbairn, Penn State Animal Science Educator.
The day begins with a presentation about the past 50 years of the event and Lancaster Stockyards by Chet Hughes, former Lancaster County Livestock Agent, followed by the history of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association and its part in the history of Lancaster County’s beef industry.
Next, Dr. Sara Place, Senior Director of Sustainable Beef Production Research, NCBA, will discuss beef sustainability in her presentation, “Beyond the Headlines and Towards the Facts.” Later Dr. Tara Felix will give an update on Penn State’s Calf Fed Project as well as discuss feed efficiency tools. The meeting will also serve as BQA re-certification for those already certified but needing to update their certificate.
Colin Woodall, senior vice president of government affairs at NCBA, will also speak followed by a presentation by Dr. Steve Loerch, Senior Associate Dean, Penn State.
Conducted at Lancaster’s Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the day concludes at 2 p.m.
Cost for the day is $20 per person whether or not the participant stays for lunch. Register online by Feb. 4 at https://extension.psu.edu/cattle-feeders-day or call 1-877-345-0691.
Same-day, walk-in registration is also available. For more information, contact Cheryl Fairbairn at 610-696-3500.
— Penn State Extension, Chester County