This year’s Missouri Livestock Symposium will help beef producers plan for the future, says Garry Mathes, chairman of the symposium’s planning committee. The free event, coordinated by University of Missouri Extension, is Dec. 6-7 at Kirksville Middle School.

Kit Pharo of the Pharo Cattle Company will speak about “Ranching for Profit in the 21st Century.” He will share low-input ideas on cattle production. He markets 800 bulls each year in North America.

Ron Gill of Texas A&M will speak on how to improve stockmanship and factors affecting the nutritional needs of cows.

MU Extension state beef specialist Justin Sexten will talk about feeder design and management and how it affects hay waste. Winter feeding is the largest annual cost in a beef operation. Sexten will share ideas on how to reduce waste.

Friday evening’s program will feature a keynote address titled “Gratitude and Patriotism: A Personal Prospective” by Garry Lacefield, extension forage specialist at the University of Kentucky.

Veterinarian David Moore of Kirksville will be recognize as Missouri Livestock Symposium Person of the Year on Friday.

The event features a trade and tractor show in addition to workshops on horses, sheep, goats, forages and farm succession planning. The Friday evening beef dinner and Saturday luncheon are free, as well as all snacks and beverages.

The event is sponsored by MU Extension, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, sponsoring commodity groups and the symposium’s planning committee. Details on the program are at www.missourilivestock.com, or call 660-665-9866 or 660-341-6625 for more information.

Source: University of Missouri