Beef quality training
May, August, September, Texas
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) will host several Texas Beef Quality Producer Programs scheduled throughout Texas. The free multi-level program teaches the principles of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA). Level I training involves an intensive six hours of training related to beef quality, beef safety, and the relationships between beef production and the environment. Level II training provides cow-calf producers and stocker operators the opportunity to become BQA-certified. Requiring previous Level I training, Level II allows participants to develop a quality management plan and work with their personal veterinarians to develop preventative herd health plans.
You don’t have to be a member of the TSCRA to participate; however, interested participants must RSVP at least one week prior to scheduled sessions. A complimentary lunch will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, call Mark Perrier at 1-800-242-7820, Ext. 118. Visit www.texascattleraisers.org for more information.
R-CALF USA meeting
May 14, Holbrook, Ariz.
The Navajo County Cattlemen’s Association will host a Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) meeting beginning at 4 p.m., at the Navajo County Fairgrounds. Dinner will follow the meeting.
Participants must RSVP to attend the dinner. Contact Bill Elkins at (928) 536-3404 or Ann Jeffers at (928) 524-2580.
GAA Field Day
May 14, Adel, Ga.
The Georgia Angus Association (GAA) announces its annual field day, hosted by Circle G Ranch near Adel. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., with a livestock judging contest, cattlemen’s quiz and a coloring contest beginning at 10 a.m. Marketing demonstrations will start at 11 a.m., and a lunch will be served at noon. Skeet shooting, fishing and farm tours are also planned.
Visit www.georgiaangus.org for more information.
Informational tour meeting
May 16, Steele, N.D.
The North Dakota Stockgrowers Association (NDSA) Purebred Council will host its 19th annual All-Breeds Cattle Tour this fall in Steele, N.D. An informational meeting to discuss plans is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Steele Veteran’s Club for anyone interested in displaying cattle on the tour. For more information contact Tracey Koester at (701) 223-2522 or tkoester@ndstockmen.org.
MU Breimyer Seminar
May 16, Columbia, Mo.
The 2005 Breimyer Seminar at the University of Missouri (MU) will encompass China’s effect on world trade. Trends in Chinese agriculture, the country’s outlook, China’s pork industry and consumers in China will be topics discussed at the event. A $20 registration fee includes lunch and handouts. To preregister and receive lunch and a parking permit, contact Joyce White at (573) 882-6533 or whitej@missouri.edu.
Animal ID Symposium
May 17, Boise, Idaho
The Northwest Pilot Project (NWPP) will host the Animal ID Symposium at The Grove Hotel in Boise. The symposium will feature presentations by identification (ID) experts and open forums to discuss critical issues. Examples of individual and group ID and animal tracking will be featured, and a panel of state animal health authorities will present the most current information on premises ID, the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and registration.
NWPP, a seven-state industry coalition, was established in 2004 to develop a positive solution for the NAIS. More than 100 livestock producers and 21,000 head of cattle, sheep and bison are involved in the project.
Pre-registration is requested by May 6. The symposium is free to NWPP participants and cooperating state agency officials. A nominal fee will be charged to others attending. For more information or to register, visit www.northwestpilot.org.
2005 Annual Field Day
May 19, Luling, Texas
The Luling Foundation will host its free annual field day beginning with registration at 7:30 a.m. at the demonstration barn. Participants will board trailers for farm tours and seminars, and guest speakers are scheduled. Topics include stockpiling forage, water resource management, predator control, riparian conservation opportunities, national beef ID, landowner liability, and understanding pesticide laws and regulations. An RSVP is not required, and complimentary coffee and donuts, as well as a barbecue lunch, will be served.
Contact Bonnie Dredla at (830) 875-2438 or lulingfoundation@sbcglobal.net. Visit www.lulingfoundation.org for more information.
NDSA Spring Roundups
June 2, 6-10, North Dakota
The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) will host Spring Roundups, its annual round of district meetings, throughout North Dakota. Meetings — scheduled in Killdeer, Carson, Upham, Rugby, Grand Rapids and Steele — will feature topics such as the Canadian border, animal ID and the beef checkoff. A free informational program, brand inspectors meeting, social and supper are included. Members will also have an opportunity to recommend officer and director candidates to the NDSA Nominating Committees.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.ndstockmen.org.
— by Crystal Albers, Angus Productions Inc. assistant editor
