ALDEN, N.Y. — Enhancing the Bottom Line is the theme for the 2018 New York Beef Producers Annual Meeting and Educational Conferences slated for January 19-20, 2018 in Syracuse, NY. The educational conference is sponsored by the Zoetis Cattlemen’s College and will take place in the Double Tree Hotel.
Pre-Registration Deadline is January 5, 2018 for a $20.00 Discount. Final Registration closes January 15, 2018. Registration form can be downloaded from web site www.nybpa.org under conference tab.
Results of the 2016 Beef Quality Audit will be presented by Dr. Jeffrey Savell, Texas A & M University Colorado, and Mr. Josh White, Associate Director of Producer Education at NCBA. In 2016, both fed and non-fed cattle audit results will be presented. This is the first time both the fed and non-fed audits were conducted simultaneously. These results are imperative to ensure beef demand remains strong and problems at the farm level can be addressed.
RFI or residual feed intake will be the focus of three presentations. Residual feed intake is defined as the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and its expected feed requirements for maintenance and growth. Mr. Leo McDonnell will address the basics of RFI as well as the opportunities selecting bulls on RFI. McDonnell is a fourth-generation rancher, who was raised around both feedlot and cow-calf operations. McDonnell owns the Midland Bull Test in Montana which tests more than 2,000 bulls per year. It has often led the field in introducing breeders and ranchers to additional trait selection. Dr. Lisa Kriese-Anderson, associate professor and Extension Animal Scientist, at Auburn University will look at how selecting heifers on residual feed intake will affect the cow herd.
Other topics to be addressed during the educational conference by Dr. Mark Alley, a Senior Veterinarian from Zoetis; Improving Stocker Health and Profitability; This presentation will focus on arrival, treatment, and nutrition programs that effectively use technologies such as implants, vaccines, dewormers, and antibiotics to positively impact the bottom line of these operations. In this business, markets often change at a moment’s notice and successful businesses must be prepared for all contingencies. It is imperative to understand the technologies that are available to improve profitability and how best to effectively incorporate these into the stocker operation. Additionally, it is important to remember that regardless of how effective the technology can be. Good management is just as important (if not more) to the success of the operation. Preparing the Calf for the Next Stage of Production; Many times, producers focus on calf’s health while the calf is still at home. Although that is an important part of overall calf health, it is important to remember the impact of what we do while a calf is nursing has a large impact on health of that calf at the next stages of production. While the calf is nursing the cow, life is fairly stress free. This, the time period when proper priming of the immune system is paramount to preparing the calf (and its immune system) for the challenges it will face after leaving the farm. Additionally, this is the time that we can focus on practices and technology that add pounds prior to weaning resulting in a win/win for both buyer and seller. calf pre-conditioning and using common sense when making selection decisions.
A series of hands-on workshops will also be offered during the educational conference. These workshops will be presented jointly between Alabama and Cornell Cooperative Extension personnel. Attendees will rotate between sessions demonstrating proper management techniques for all cow/calf producers. Props will be used to practice with to demonstrate actual circumstances.
Topics will include proper, effective record keeping for the herd; How much of your off farm income are you willing to invest in your beef operation? Many farmers come to this figure by chance, because they view their beef farm as a way of life i.e., lifestyle. In this scenario, decision making is based on feeling, not facts. If lifestyle is the objective and you have adequate off farm income, then tax records are probably all you need. However, if you are interested in expanding your beef enterprise beyond lifestyle, then more intensive records are required. While not a guarantee, having the appropriate records will increase your odds of success. Consequently, determining what records are needed, you have to honestly define why you have the beef operation. If you have defined objectives, then you should attend this presentation. We will discuss the records needed to allow decision making at the level of accuracy desired to meet your objectives.
Effective cow herd mineral supplementation; Looking to build a solid foundation, improve herd health, increase conception rates and maybe even raise your carcass’ another grade? Learn how trace minerals are the keystone to support your herd, and yearly cow body quality checks for optimum herd performance. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice techniques at each rotation.
Proper vaccination, ear tagging, tattooing and implanting techniques, tips and techniques for calving season, neo-natal calf management.
Additionally, Mr. Steve Olson, Standards and Specifications Advisor at the North American Meat Institute, and Mr. Alex Tigue, Alabama regional extension agent and meat scientist, will talk and demonstrate beef cuts as well as dispel some meat myths.
Making sure demand for our beef products remains strong is essential. Jean O’Toole, Executive Director of the New York Beef Industry Council, will discuss; “Be(ef)Together – Our Beef Industry Community: This presentation will give insight into the NY Beef Community and how we can ban together to bring awareness to the 19.6 million consumers in New York State. Did You Know that New York has a little over 6000 beef producers? That’s approximately 3000 consumers to 1 beef producer! We need to get to work! Join us in this presentation to gain insight on what we, as beef producers, are up against and how we can create a strong Beef voice together.
Top companies will be exhibiting in the trade show showcasing their products for New York cattle producers, both days from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
The 2018 New York Beef Producers Annual Meeting and Educational Conference will conclude with the Annual Awards Banquet and Scholarship Auction. All auction proceeds will benefit our Junior Scholarship Program.
We welcome all persons raising beef cattle to come be a part of this educational conference. You will take home many new ideas that will help “Enhance Your Bottom Line.”
For additional information please contact Brenda Bippert at 716-870-2777 or nybeefproducers@aol.com.
–New York Beef Producers’ Association
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