International Outlook, Grain Price Forecasts Start Range Beef Cow Symposium

Factors influencing livestock and grain costs, price forecasts and the international trade outlook start the Range Beef Cow Symposium Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 28-30, in Cheyenne.

All events are at the Little America Hotel and Resort. See the list of speakers and preregistration information at www.rangebeefcow.com.

The symposium is a joint effort coordinated by the extension programs of South Dakota State University, Colorado State University, the University of Nebraska and the University of Wyoming.

Greg Hanes with the U.S. Meat Export Federation offers the international trade forecast.

“With the rules for beef trade to China finalized this past June and trade agreements such as NAFTA being reviewed, this is a critical time for beef producers and industry organizations to be aware of international trade opportunities and challenges,” says Steve Paisley, UW Extension beef cattle specialist and a conference organizer.

Jim Robb with the Livestock Marketing Information Center will examine market data and influences on livestock and feed grain prices.

South Dakota Red Angus breeder Craig Bieber will share management decisions his family operation has made to adapt to drought. Cattleman Troy Hadrick, also from South Dakota, will present the genetic tools he uses for selection and marketing.

Other Tuesday subjects include insight on range mineral nutrition, a debate on genetic testing versus visual evaluation, a meat cutting demonstration, and a meat science presentation by Warrie Means, UW Extension meats specialist and associate professor.

A Cattle-Fax analyst will share ideas Wednesday for managing risk in the beef industry. Other sessions include modified live vaccines’ influence on reproductive performance, bovine TB, farm loan opportunities, key drivers of cow herd profitably and a consumer demand panel.

Producers are invited to participate in a cattle-handling workshop Thursday at the Laramie County Community College teaching arena.

Participants can rotate through three 45-minute sessions, selecting from topics including frame scoring, body condition scoring with ultrasound, reproduction and artificial insemination with ultrasound, and range monitoring sampling and analysis.

Evening bull pen sessions Tuesday and Wednesday allow attendees to engage and ask questions of the day’s presenters.

For more information, contact Paisley at (307) 837-2000 or spaisley@uwyo.edu.