ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

STOCKER CATTLE CONFERENCE FOR BEEF PRODUCERS SET FOR AUG. 27 IN AUBURN

AUBURN, JULY 30---The stocker cattle enterprise has been a consistently profitable segment of the southeastern beef business for several years. Although opportunities for profit vary from year to year, the value of gain for fall-purchased stocker calves over a 17-year period in Alabama was 48 cents a pound. Most stocker operators have kept their cost of gain less than that in most years, which means profit.

Sponsored by the Auburn University Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Alabama Veterinary Medical Association-Large Animal Affairs Committee, this year's conference theme is Brass Tacks, Profit-Oriented Stocker Cattle Conference.

The one-day conference will feature topics of "bottom line" interest to those working with stocker cattle. The conference also will be useful for cow-calf producers and veterinarians who provide weaned calves for the stocker segment. Continuing education credit will be offered to veterinarians in attendance.

Bob Smith, a nationally known stocker-feeder veterinarian and past president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners from Oklahoma, is the first speaker at the conference. He will discuss the value of healthy calves.

Other events of the conference include a panel discussion on Opportunities and Challenges Associated with Contract Grazing by successful Alabama producers. Panelists include Ray Bean, Eastaboga, Ala.; Jeff McFarland, Mobile; Slade Rhodes, Montgomery; and Camp Powers, Ozark.

Another panel discussion, lessons from the School of Hard Knocks is set for the afternoon session. Panelists include Alabamians Leo Hollinger from Camden, Dave Goode from Goodwater and Jimmy Parnell from Stanton.

In addition, Dr. Don Ball, Extension forage specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, will discuss forage crop options for stocker production. Craig Reinemeyer, DVM with the University of Tenn., will discuss receiving diets and by-product feeding for stockers.

Walt Prevatt, an Extension economist at Auburn University, will close the conference with a discussion on profit opportunities.

Registration is $50. Anyone interested in attending should contact Ms. Felicia Davis at (334) 844-1555 for information and a registration form.

SOURCE: DR. JIM FLOYD, Extension veterinarian, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-1501.