The second annual Tri-State Meat Goat Conference will take place Sept. 26-28 in Alexandria.

This three-day event is organized through a cooperative effort of University of Minnesota Extension, the North Dakota State University Extension Service, and the South Dakota State University Extension Service.

Sessions will cover topics such as goat health, nutrition, breeding management and artificial insemination, selection of meat goats for breeding stock, show tips and techniques, and Midwest marketing strategies and opportunities.

Speakers include Dr. Fred Homeyer, Antelope Creek Ranch; Robert Lee, Texas, internationally known Boer goat judge; Dr. Justin Luther, reproductive physiologist and state sheep and goat specialist from NDSU Extension; Dr. Susan McClanahan, University of Minnesota small ruminant specialist; Tess Caudill, Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture; Mark Hayek, NRCS regional grazing specialist; and Dr. Terry Hutchens, Kentucky meat goat specialist.

In addition to educational workshops and demonstrations, attendees will have an opportunity to visit vendors, meet and socialize with other meat goat producers, and enjoy a Texas-style meat goat BBQ. Sunday will conclude with the "Best of the Best" Boer goat sale sponsored by Pride of Minnesota Boer Goats, LLC.

Advanced hotel reservations are recommended due to other functions taking place in the Alexandra area this same weekend. Reserving a room immediately is advised. To find lodging information, go to: www.alexandriamn.org. A block of rooms have been reserved at Arrowwood resort for this event. Ask for the group rate for the "Goat Conference." Arrowwood Reservations: 1-866-FUN-LAND or www.arrowwoodresort.com.

Registration is from $5.00 per day for youth to a special three-day rate of $75.00 for adults that includes some meals (availability limited). Other daily rates are available. For more information on the Tri-State Goat Conference, contact Brenda Postels, University of Minnesota Extension in Wright County, [email protected], 763-682-7381 or go to the conference website at: www.extension.umn.edu/meatgoats. For a Pride of Minnesota sale catalog, visit their website at: www.prideofmnboers.com.