Outstanding Program Planned For 2014 Mid-South Stocker Conference
KNOXVILLE, TENN.
This year’s Mid-South Stocker Conference is made up of outstanding speakers, virtual tours of three are stocker operations and an outstanding trade show. The conference has always provided opportunity for attendees to get together with stocker operators from across the upper Mid-South area to share ideas and visit with vendors that will be present in an outstanding trade show.
The conference is a cooperative effort between the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension and University of Tennessee Extension and the Mid-South Stocker Cattle Association. Bayer Animal Health and BEEF serve as partners for the conference.
The conference organizers have designed a two day educational program that will provide opportunities for producers to explore practices and concepts that should aid them in efficient production of stocker cattle. The conference will also provide educational opportunities for producers of all ages, experience levels and size of operation. An outstanding trade show will also allow opportunity for producers to interact with animal health product, equipment and service industries.
The conference will begin the morning of February 18th with registration from 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM. Virtual tours of three area stocker operations, two from Tennessee and one from Kentucky will kick off the conference at 10:00 AM. Attendees will have opportunity to view their operations and later interact with the producers during a panel discussion of their practices.
A reception and dinner will be available for the conference goers. The reception is being sponsored by Bayer Animal Health.
A retired Army General, Lieutenant General, Dr. Paul Funk, a Hereford breeder and member of the Board of Directors of the American Hereford Association, will serve as keynote speaker.
He knows how and has had the experience in leading, motivating people, and executing a plan. His presentation should emphasize to the producers the importance of planning in carrying a successful operation.
Outlook for the cattle industry is always of interest to the cattle producer. This topic will be discussed by Dr. Kenny Burdine Cooperative Extension Service and the University of Kentucky. Stocker operators currently are challenged on keeping feed costs under control. Dr. Lawton Stewart, Ruminant Nutritionist and Beef Specialist of University of Georgia will discuss pricing feeds and using co-products in stocker operations.
The conference organizers encourage participation of stocker operators and others from Kentucky and Tennessee. There are large numbers of stocker operators in the area and a number of out of state stocker operators are anticipated to attend. An excellent attendance is anticipated.
For additional information, contact either local university of Kentucky Extension or University of Tennessee Extension offices or go to the web site: http://midsouthstocker.org/
Information on the website will include the agenda of activities, directions, lodging, and registration. ∆