Beef Sire Selection & Management Seminar set
The most important decision made each year in the cow-calf enterprise is the selection, health and management of the herd sire. Not only does he contribute 50 percent of the genetic makeup of the offspring, but also can have a major impact on the calf crop from birth through harvest. Cow-calf producers in Illinois will have the opportunity to attend a seminar on Beef Sire Selection and Management.
The seminar will be held on Jan. 28 starting at 9 a.m. at Black Hawk East College Campus in Kewanee. Covering the topic of “Breeding Soundness Evaluation” will be Dr. Buzz Iliff from the Wyoming Veterinary Clinic. Speaking and serving as co-sponsor for the program will be Vita Ferm and the Illinois Angus Association. Representing Vita Ferm will be Kevin Glaubius, division sales manager for Biozyme Incorporated discussing “Unlocking your breeding success and genetic potential with Vita Ferm Concept Aid.” Representing the Angus breed will be Jerry Cassady, regional manager with the American Angus Association who will discuss “Understanding Challenges and Capturing Value.”
Dr. Ken Nimrick, beef professor from Western Illinois University will discuss the “WIU Bull Test Station.” University of Illinois Extension representatives and topics covered at the seminar include: “EPDs – What They Are, What They Aren’t and How Can I Use Them?”; “Understanding and Incorporating Physical Traits into Sire Selection”; and “Management of the Herd Bull with Emphasis on Yearling Bulls.” These topics will be covered by Dr. Doug Parrett, University of Illinois beef cattle specialist and Dave Seibert, animal systems educator from the East Peoria Extension Center.
The University of Illinois Extension, Vita Ferm, Illinois Angus Association and the local Cattlemen’s Associations are co-sponsoring the seminars. Registration for the seminar is $10 which covers the meal along with the handouts. Late and at door registration will be $15. The deadline for reservations is Jan. 22 and should be made through the host county Extension Office.
The County Extension director to contact for reservations is Jeff West, Henry-Stark Counties Extension Office at (309) 853-1533. For additional information on the seminars contact Dave Seibert at the East Peoria Extension Center (309) 694-7501, ext. 224.
