By Blake Jackson
Livestock producers understand the importance of stockmanship, a practice involving calm and quiet handling of livestock, which leads to healthier and faster-gaining animals.
The upcoming NCBA Stockmanship & Stewardship event in Lancaster, Wisconsin, will emphasize these skills on August 28-29.
Supported by extension organizations, beef councils, and cattlemen's associations from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, the event runs from 12:30 p.m. Wednesday to 1:15 p.m. Thursday.
Tammy Vaassen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Beef Council, emphasized the event’s significance, bringing together well-known industry experts and offers an opportunity for attendees to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified. “Wisconsin beef producers will have the opportunity to attend a program that will feature nationally recognized beef industry leaders covering topics from the gate to the plate, including animal health, cattle handling, and environmental considerations.”
A key feature of the event is the Thursday morning stockmanship demonstration by Dr. Ron Gill from Texas A&M and Curt Pate. They will showcase techniques to improve cattle handling by working with the animals' instincts.
The duo will also demonstrate handling dairy cross cattle, known for their different temperament. Additional sessions will cover cattle performance management, networking opportunities, and BQA certification.
The event kicks off Wednesday afternoon with a keynote by Allison Demer of Culver Franchising System, discussing sustainability and consumer influence on supply chains.
Other speakers include Dr. Dathan Smerchek on calf health, Dr. Doerte Doepfer on hairy heel wart management, Jay Solomon on winter manure management, and Dr. Grant Dewell on optimizing calf performance in feedlots.
Wednesday evening includes a tour of the Lancaster Ag Research Farm and demonstrations on pasture management, transport fitness, and trailer maintenance.
A panel of national stewardship award winners will also share their insights. Thursday’s sessions will address carcass quality and genetic selection for sustainability, culminating in the BQA certification exam.
Registration costs $75 and includes three meals. More details, including the agenda and local accommodation, are available at www.StockmanshipAndStewardship.org. Attendees may also qualify for reimbursement through the Rancher Resilience Grant.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock