BEDFORD, Pa. — ”Cattle feeding is a lot like golf,” says upcoming Lancaster Cattle Feeders Day speaker Dr. Robbi Pritchard. “A lot of people do it, but being really good at it is not as common.
This year, Pritchard comes to the annual Lancaster Cattle Feeders Day on Feb. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“There is a business model disconnect in golf,” Pritchard said. “We pay for golf by the hole, which makes my cost per stroke look pretty economical. But, if I wanted to make a living as a golfer I need a lot fewer strokes. Buying better clubs might help, but they will help more if I’m already golfing at par.
“Similar disconnects exist in cattle feeding,” said Pritchard, Extension Beef Specialist, South Dakota State University. “Better diets help, but like better golf clubs, it helps a lot more if we are doing other things well.
“Managing growth is more like managing the overall golf game; there are places to chase birdies and places to be careful,” said Pritchard. “We will explore both areas in the hopes that Pennsylvania cattle feeders will learn something useful to them from my mistakes.”
Pritchard will be joined by Dr. Keith Belk, animal science professor at Colorado State University; Colin Woodall, senior vice president of government affairs, NCBA, and Dr. Tara Felix, PSU Extension Beef Specialist.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with Pritchard’s first session beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch begins at 1:30 p.m.
Cost is $15, whether or not the participant stays for lunch.
Go to http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/events for more information.
Register by phone at 877-345-0691 by Feb. 5 or pay by check or cash at walk-in registration on the day of the event.
— PA Beef Council