2009 Virginia Forage-Beef Summit Addresses Key Issues Facing Livestock Industry

Livestock Update, December 2008

Dr. Gordon Groover, Extension Economist Farm Management, VA Tech

Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council, and the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association are joining forces to host four educational workshops.  The workshops will be held in Reva, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, and Wytheville, VA on January 12, 13, 14, and 15, respectively.  The keynote speaker is Dr. Harlan Hughes, Professor and Extension Livestock Economist, Emeritus from North Dakota State University.  Many of Virginia’s producers know him based on his "Market Advisor" column that appears monthly in BEEF magazine.  Dr. Hughes will make two presentations, in the morning, insights into the “Key Issues Changing the Beef Industry” and following lunch a discussion centered on helping Virginia producers understand the importance of “Making Key Changes to Remain Profitable.”

The theme of the workshops is “Optimizing Livestock and Forages Efficiencies in Times of Change.”  Participants will also want to attend to hear other speakers that many Virginia farmers will recognize.

Scott Greiner – Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, VA Tech will address “Cow Size, Efficiency, and Profit”

Robert Shoemaker – Nutrient Management Specialist, Department of Conservation and Recreation and cow-calf producer from Fauquier County, VA will discuss his knowledge and experience in “Managing Stocking Rates for Profitable Beef Production.”

Chris Teutsch – Extension Specialist, Forage/Livestock, VA Tech, will help participants understand the science and art of “Building and Maintaining Soil Fertility in Times of High Input Costs.”

Local producer panel – Each panel member will share their strategies for addressing the challenges presented by the markets and weather and the changes they plan.

For more information on these conferences contact your local Extension office, Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, 540-992-1009, or the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council, 434-292-5331 or makenney@vt.edu.

Dates and Locations:
Monday, January 12, 2009, Reva Fire Department, Reva, VA
Tuesday, January 13, 2009, Mrs. Rowe’s Country Buffet, Mt. Crawford, VA
Wednesday, January 14, 2009, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg VA
Thursday, January 15, 2009, Wytheville Meeting Center, Wytheville, VA

Meeting Agenda:

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