GAINESVILLE, FL — Cattlemen continue to explore potential marketing options, means to improve the quality of the calves they market, and improved production practices. The 58th Annual Florida Beef Cattle Short Course continues the rich tradition of quality programs from the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences that address the issues facing the beef cattle industry.

The 2009 Beef Cattle Short Course begins Wednesday afternoon with the annual Market Outlook. Looking at current market trends is important as the beef industry faces increasing production costs, volatile market swings, and other various influences.

The program continues with topics that examine the cash flow issues associated with the beef cattle enterprise. The program will expand the understanding and control of the basic cost inputs for the cow herd. The afternoon continues with a pair of topics related to marketing and performance of cattle; addressing the justification of the basic difference for Southeastern cattle and a review of the performance of Southeastern cattle when placed on feed.

The program concludes with a discussion of the economic and production related decision to fertilize pastures.

Following the program the Allied Trade Show provides an opportunity for the participants to interact and exchange information during the evening reception.

Thursday’s program concentrates on the cow herd. A wide spectrum of important topics related to cows will be addressed throughout the day. Thursday starts with a discussion about the relationship of cow size, cow requirements, and production issues. Feed efficiency and breeding cattle is an emerging theme in the beef cattle business, the program will examine this topic from a Florida aspect.

The cow is the basic production unit of the beef cattle enterprise, thus reproductive efficiency and the factors that influence reproduction deserve attention and the program gives the topic that attention.

The morning program concludes with a review of the market cow quality audit and the implications the audit has for beef producers. The afternoon program moves outside and incorporates live cattle demonstrations. Three distinct sessions will allow participants to evaluate market cows, breeding cows, and market calves for important characteristics and value. Participants can then compare their assessment to the discussion of a panel of experts assembled for each session. The afternoon program promises to be a frank and insightful discussion about cows and calves.

The annual Cattlemen’s Steakout on Thursday evening provides an event for all participants to enjoy a prime rib dinner and time for conversation and relaxation.
On Friday, the program addresses weaning management for calves. Traditional dogma says, a calf should never be allowed to have a bad day; the first topic of Friday will delve into this area. With changes in the input costs and calf prices pre-conditioning discussions have increased. The program will address the pre-conditioning matter from both a small producer and larger producer perspective.

Added gain on calves is great, but can it be economical? Participants will find out if it pays in Florida as the program addresses this important aspect. The morning wraps up with a panel discussion of the speakers and beef cattle producers that implement pre-conditioning programs.

The 2009 Florida Beef Cattle Short Course promises to continue the tradition of being the best educational event for beef cattle producers in the Southeast. The spectrum of topics related to cash flow, cow herd considerations, and calf management should provide something for every beef cattle producer regardless of size.

Make plans to attend the Florida Beef Cattle Short Course and come away with new and innovative knowledge about the beef cattle industry.

For additional information on the short course and the registration process visit here

ONA, FL — The University of Florida IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, Florida, will be holding a special event April 16 at the Center. Along with a cattle and forage field day, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate two new buildings.

There is no charge for the program or lunch, however you must RSVP by April 8 to ensure adequate literature and lunch arrangements are made. Send your reservation request with names and contact information to: Field Day 2009, Range Cattle REC, 3401 Experiment Station, Ona, FL 33865, you may also email your request to ona@ifas.ufl.edu, or fax to 863-735-1930. A map and directions to the Center are located on their website.

Sign in begins at 9 a.m. and the ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Jim Handley, Executive Vice President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Dr. John Arthington will be the dignitaries for the event.

Presentations will be given by Joe Vendramini, Brent Sellers, and Maria Silveira on a variety of topics. A steak lunch will be served at noon.

After lunch there will be field tours of the new facilities, forage research plots, weed and forage garden, and pasture fertilization research plots.

For more infomration call 863-735-1314, Ext. 201.