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.
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 identification (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.
MU field days
June-October, Missouri
The University of Missouri (MU) Agricultural Experiment Station and research centers have announced their schedule of 2005 field days. Scheduled events will include the latest in crop, livestock, forage, horticultural and agroforestry research.
For a detailed schedule and contact information, visit http://aes.missouri.edu.
Online Food Security Course
June-September, United States
A free training program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase food security awareness is now available online. The course is also offered on CD-ROM and in a traditional classroom setting.
The training targets federal, state, local and tribal food industry regulators, school food authorities, and nutrition assistance program operators and administrators. Representatives from the food industry and individuals such as law enforcement, public health and homeland security officials are also encouraged to participate.
Traditional face-to-face training lasts approximately six hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. For a complete list of scheduled cities and dates, contact Sebastian Cianci at sebastian.cianci@cfsan.fda.gov.
The online course version is hosted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at www.fda.gov/ora/training/orau/FoodSecurity/startpage.html. CD-ROM versions of the course are also available from Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) district and regional offices.
MSGA meeting
June 8-10, Helena, Mont.
The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will host its annual midyear meeting at the Red Lion Colonial Inn in Helena. The conference will provide members an opportunity to discuss the latest industry information and create interim resolutions. The event is set to begin Wednesday with an MSGA directors meeting, as well as Montana Public Lands Council, Montana Association of Grazing Districts and Montana Grass Conservation Commission meetings. An issues forum will kick off Thursday sessions, and committees will meet to create and discuss interim policy. Friday will offer a local ranch tour and a golf tournament.
For more information contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 or msga@mtbeef.org.
Royal Highland Show
June 23-26, Edinburgh, Scotland
The Royal Highland Show showcases some of Europe’s premier livestock and agriculture machinery. More than 4,000 head of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and horses are expected to be exhibited, and an extensive display of ag equipment, products and services can be found on-site.
International visitors can register online for the show’s International Pavilion, where a multilingual team will assist international visitors and offer a lounge and free broadband Internet access. For more information visit www.royalhighlandshow.org and follow the “International Visitors” link.
NABC 17 annual conference
June 27-29, Nashville, Tenn.
The National Agricultural Biotechnology Council (NABC), along with the University of Tennessee and the University of Kentucky, will host open discussions regarding ag biotechnology development at its 17th meeting. Agricultural producers, consumers and industry representatives are expected to participate.
The NABC works to define issues and public policy options related to biotechnology associated with food, agriculture and the environment. For more information visit www.outreach.tennessee.edu/ppd/nabc.
John Deere collectors event
June 27-July 2, Moline, Ill.
The John Deere Collectors Center will host thousands of John Deere enthusiasts, collectors and fans for “Reunion on the River,” a six-day event featuring tours, auctions, seminars, tractor and toy shows, and other communitywide events. Participants can participate in a 16-mile tractor ride, day trips to John Deere factories and regional attractions, historical seminars, memorabilia auctions, and more.
To view a full schedule of events and/or to register, visit www.johndeereattractions.com or call 1-877-255-2008.
