November 6, 2003

 

Key Beef Production and Marketing Issues Addressed at Bovine Connection Program

Barry Carpenter, considered to be the lead author of the proposed rule to implement mandatory country of origin labeling, will address cattlemen, industry leaders and other interested persons during the Bovine Connection program scheduled for Dec. 2 and 3 at the Williston International Airport Inn. The proposed rule is scheduled to go into effect on Sept. 30, 2004.

Carpenter will explain what cattle producers must do to maintain auditable records to ensure products labeled as USA were actually born, raised and slaughtered in this country. He will also review available research on the likely impact on demand of country of origin labeling. Carpenter is with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service in Washington, D.C.

The first day of the program will begin at 9 a.m. with registration and focus on marketing and today’s dynamic market. Ken Odde, Chair of the North Dakota State University Department of Animal and Range Sciences, will open the conference with remarks on the current industry. Carpenter will then keynote the morning session. Completing the morning session will be information on marketing beef beyond the ranch and feedlot by Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef Program director.

The afternoon program will feature presenters on marketing techniques and cattle management to add and capture more value from calves. The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion. Participating in the program will be Gerald Stokka, Pfizer Animal Health; Jeff Rudolph, HiGain Feedlot; Tim Larson, Prewitt Cattle Co; Kirby Krebsbach, Sitting Bull Auction; Gene Harris, Killdeer N.D.; Bruce Durheim, Ellendale, N.D.; Tucker Hughes, Stanford MT; and John Patersen, Montana State University.

This year’s Bovine Connection features a special evening session devoted solely to cattle markets, situations and outlook. Jim Robb of the Livestock Marketing Center of Denver Colo., and Tim Petry, NDSU Extension livestock marketing economist, will conduct the session.

The second day’s program will cover several topics including cattle health, cattle handling and business management. Temple Grandin, an internationally known designer of livestock facilities and expert on animal behavior and handling will address the increasing importance of animal welfare in cattle handling techniques and facilities. Grandin is an associate professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University who, in addition to teaching, conducts research in areas of temperament, stress, handling techniques and serves as an industry expert and consultant.

Barry Dunn, South Dakota State University, will address the profitability of the cow/calf sector in a talk on Making Money with Cows. Parasite control will be covered by William Epperson of SDSU, with Larry Corah sharing information on how calf health impacts feedlot performance and carcass value. Gerald Stokka will discuss vaccination programs. Completing the program will be advice by NDSU Extension Veterinarian, Charlie Stoltenow, on protecting the beef industry in light of foreign animal diseases and possible bio-terrorism threats.

The Bovine Connection program is organized by a committee of Extension agents, area beef producers and Williston agri-businessmen with support and sponsorship by area businesses, district cattlewomen, seedstock producers, the Northwest Beef Task Force and corporate sponsors.

The registration fee is $40.00 per person or $60.00 per couple for the two-day event and will include meals featuring new convenient industry beef products, and printed proceedings. Collectors of western tack are invited to display saddles, bridles and bits. More detailed information about the program can be obtained by calling the NDSU Extension office at (701) 577-4595.

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Source: Warren Froelich, (701) 572-1717, warren.froelich@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu