Livestock will be in the spotlight for a special event at this year's 62nd annual 3i Show, which opens Oct. 13 and runs through Oct. 15 in Dodge City.

"Protecting Livestock from Disease: Basics of Biosecurity" will be the topic of two special seminars at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14. The program presenter will be A.J. Tarpoff, Kansas State University Extension Beef Veterinarian.

K-State Research and Extension, the Ford County Extension Office, Ford County Emergency Management at the 3i Show are all partners in the effort to present the program, which will focus on helping farmers and ranchers with the important job of raising food for a growing world population while also keeping the food supply safe.

Tarpoff says the goal of biosecurity is to protect animal health. Biosecurity incorporates those management practices aimed at keeping new diseases off the farm and keeping diseases from spreading from group to group on the farm. Biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control. He will share how livestock producers can control disease by controlling animal movement. His program will include biosecurity tips related to all livestock types and operations.

Tarpoff joined the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry as an Assistant Professor in June. He works closely with the state’s extension program to help improve the health of cow-calf, stocker and feedlot cattle. Previously, he worked as a feedlot veterinarian focusing on herd based production medicine, disease surveillance, mitigation and federal important and export issues. 

The 3i Show is a free-admission show. Its permanent location is Western State Bank Expo Center, 11333 U.S. Highway 283. Show hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13 and 14, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15.

An agricultural showcase representing over 1,000 companies, the 3i Show provides a face-to-face, hands-on selling environment with information to assist with farm and ranch buying decisions.

All types of agricultural equipment and services are on display each year, including cattle handling equipment, crop protection information, farm machinery and equipment, trucks and truck equipment, pickup trucks and more.

For more information about the Livestock Biosecurity program, contact the Ford County Extension Office at 620-227-454.  For more information about the 3i show, contact the Western Kansas Manufacturer’s Association at [email protected] or visit www.3ishow.com.