KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Beef producers will discover the value of management and genetics at the 22nd annual Missouri Livestock Symposium on December 3 and 4 in Kirksville, MO, according to Garry L. Mathes, chairman.
Farmers and ranchers will hear from University of Missouri Extension state specialists on Saturday as they cover several topics for beef producers, including:
- Dr. Eric Bailey, beef extension specialist with the University of Missouri, will focus on the key metrics of success in feeding cattle in Missouri.
- Dr. Jordan Thomas, beef cattle reproduction service specialist, University of Missouri will talk on “Avoiding the Silent Killer of Profitability: Cow Depreciation Costs.”
- Dr. Scott Brown, agricultural economist, University of Missouri will be doing an interactive session on the livestock markets with the Brownfield news network to start the day on Saturday.
Zac Erwin, MU Extension Livestock Specialist and Symposium vice-chair, says, “Cattle producers have faced several years in a row of small or negative profits and have battled tough environmental conditions, but cow and heifer slaughter numbers are pointing to a more positive point in the cattle cycle. Our beef program this year is designed to give producers the tools they need to take full advantage of the cattle cycle high.”
Other featured speakers in the beef section will be Drs. Craig Payne and Tim Evans, both from the University of Missouri, discussing the prevalence of liver flukes and other causes of mortality in a beef herd.
Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist will be the keynote speaker, Friday evening December 3rd. “Dr. Mitloehner is the leading expert on greenhouse gas production from livestock and will share his research in a very informative and enlightening presentation,” says Erwin.
The Missouri Livestock Symposium has an agricultural trade show open both Friday evening and all day Saturday. The event takes place at Matthew Middle School, 1515 Cottage Grove in Kirksville, MO. The hours are 4 to 10 pm on Friday, December 3, and 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday, December 4.
In addition to sessions on beef, there will also be speakers on horses, sheep, market goats, forages, stock dogs and farm succession planning. Multiple tracks run at the same time on an hourly basis on Saturday. Producers can choose what topics they want to attend.
The program is free, with no advance registration. The Symposium offers a free beef dinner at 6 pm Friday and free lunch on Saturday. Meals are coordinated by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and sponsored by Missouri commodity groups. A volunteer Symposium committee of area producers, extension professionals, and agricultural organizations coordinates the event each year.
Details are on the internet at www.missourilivestock.com. Or ask at the Adair County MU Extension Center, 660-665-9866, or Mathes at 660-341-6625.
The Symposium draws visitors from across Missouri and nearby states.
— University of Missouri Extension