Beef producers will learn about opportunities and challenges for their industry during the 23rd annual Missouri Livestock Symposium from Dec. 2-3 in Kirksville, Mo.

“Industry dynamics are in a period of rapid change, and producers need to make decisions now that will have long-lasting impacts,” says Zac Erwin, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist and symposium vice chair. “The beef speaker lineup this year is a great opportunity to hear from industry players that will provide a unique perspective on beef production, and how they see the challenges that producers will face moving forward.”

Beef topics at the Missouri Livestock Symposium include:

Driving the Livestock Markets: Who is Steering and Who is Along for the Ride. Andrew Griffith, associate producer, agricultural and resources economics with the University of Tennessee, will speak.

Marketing Fundamentals to Prosper. Doug Ferguson, multigenerational Nebraska cattleman and contributing writer to Beef Magazine, will lead the session.

A Systems Approach to Managing Cow Herd Replacements. Trey Patterson, president and CEO of Padlock Ranch Company, a diversified cow-calf, farm and feedlot operation headquartered in Ranchester, Wyo., will speak.

Panel discussions

Erwin says this year the Missouri Livestock Symposium has two panel discussions to give producers a chance to ask questions and get engaged in the conversations.

Eric Bailey, MU Extension state beef specialist, will lead a panel discussion focusing on post-weaning production and opportunities. Jordan Thomas, MU Extension state cow-calf specialist, will lead a panel discussion on cow herd management and pre-weaning strategies to stay profitable.

More sessions for the farm

In addition to sessions on beef, there will also be sessions on horses, sheep, market goats, forages, stock dogs, horticulture, and farm succession planning.

The Missouri Livestock Symposium is located at Matthew Middle School, 1515 Cottage Grove in Kirksville, Mo. It opens from 4 to 10 p.m. Dec. 2, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3. There is also an agricultural trade show open during the two days.

The program is free, with no advance registration. The symposium also offers a free beef dinner at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 and a free lunch Dec. 3. Meals are sponsored by Missouri commodity groups. A volunteer symposium committee organizes the event.

For more information, along with additional program sponsors, visit missourilivestock.com, or contact the Adair County MU Extension Center at 660-665-9866, or symposium chair Garry Mathes at 660-341-6625.

Source: Missouri Livestock Symposium