Attention, Cattlemen! Polish Up Practical Skills, Learn Latest Industry Info at Sept. Boot Camp at MSU
8/5/09
Contact: Sara Long
517-432-1555, ext. 170
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Seed stock and commercial cattle producers will not want to miss attending the Cattlemen’s Boot Camp scheduled for Sept. 22-23 at Michigan State University (MSU).
Hosted by the MSU Department of Animal Science, the American Angus Association and the Angus Foundation, the 1 ½-day session will cover a myriad of industry priority topics and provide attendees with practical take-home information sure to benefit any size of cattle operation.
Agenda topics include communicating a positive image in the beef industry, being proactive on animal welfare, understanding cattle behavior and handling, implementing effective herd health programs, and converting grass to pounds, a fundamental approach to grazing management. Hands-on time will be devoted to tagging, tattooing, freeze branding, body condition scoring and administering vaccinations.
Attendees will learn how to access the latest information on genetic abnormalities, how to use source verification to add value to their enterprises, how to identify which bulls fit their programs’ needs, and the latest on refining the reproductive performance of their herds. Evaluating and processing carcasses, using branded programs to market products, and end-product merit will also be covered.
MSU presenters include Ben Bartlett, MSU Extension livestock educator; Al Booren, professor of animal science and food science and human nutrition; Ashley Bushman, animal science specialist; Alan Culham, Sheep Teaching and Research Center farm manager; Dan Grooms, associate professor of large animal clinical sciences and a large animal veterinarian; Richard Pursley, professor of animal science; Jason Rowntree, assistant professor of animal science in beef production; Janice Siegford, assistant professor of animal science; and Janice Swanson, animal science professor and director of animal welfare.
Industry presenters include Justin Ransom, OSI Industries, L.L.C.; Jon Beever, Agri-Genomics Laboratory; Ty Groshans, American Angus Association; Kathleen Hawkins and George Quackenbush, Michigan Beef Industry Commission; and Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef.
Sessions will take place at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education and the MSU Meats Laboratory, two state-of-the-art facilities funded by the Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI) at MSU. Established in 1996 as part of the grass-roots-driven Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan Initiative, the AAI is a partnership between MSU, livestock producers and industry organizations, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture to address challenges facing Michigan animal-based agriculture through research and Extension projects.
The $75 per person registration fee covers all meals and materials. The registration deadline is Sept. 1 and no late or walk-in registrations will be accepted.
For more information or to register for the Cattlemen’s Boot Camp, contact the American Angus Association at 816-383-5100. Registration material and information can also be downloaded online at www.angus.org. Additional information is also available from Ken Geuns, MSU Department of Animal Science 4-H beef specialist, by calling 517-353-2924.
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