OSU Extension offers Beef Cattle School Jan. 29, Feb. 26 and March 19

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Producers interested in learning more about how to increase cattle profits, including an in-depth look at crossbreeding programs, can participate in a discussion of the issues by experts from Ohio State University Extension and nationwide, during a Beef Cattle School Jan. 29, Feb. 26 and March 19 at several locations statewide. 

The beef cattle school kicks off Jan. 29 with presentations from two nationally known cattle experts who will discuss how crossbreeding can boost profits for producers and how genetic selection tools have contributed to the de-emphasis on heterosis by some commercial cow-calf producers, said John Grimes, beef coordinator for OSU Extension and a member of the OSU Extension Beef Team.

Lee Leachman of the Leachman Cattle Company of Colorado will discuss practical methods to adopt a crossbreeding program and making right-sized cows, Grimes said. Nevil Speer, a professor of animal science at Western Kentucky University, will discuss heterosis and how advanced genetic selection tools, an evolving genetic base, and the growth of quality-driven markets have contributed to this phenomenon, he said.

“The information presented during Beef Cattle School addresses some of the more pressing issues facing cow-calf producers today and is imperative for cattle producers who want to better prepare themselves for a profitable involvement in the beef industry,” Grimes said. “The information is especially relevant this year for producers looking to mitigate drought-related losses.”

Topics to be covered during the Feb. 26 program include: “Squeezing Every Dollar out of Forage Production,” presented by OSU Extension educators Rory Lewandowski and Chris Penrose. The discussion will focus on hay production, weed control, drought recovery and how to extend the grazing season.

Topics to be covered during the March 19 program include: “Enterprises to Remain Competitive in the Beef Industry,” presented by OSU Extension educator Jeff McCutcheon and Grimes. The discussion will focus on production options such as backgrounding, stockering, targeting branded programs, raising replacement heifers, and raising embryo calves as unique marketing options.

Each program begins at 7 p.m. and can be viewed at several host locations statewide. Check with the local host for any reservation or registration information.    

Those who can’t attend the events at the host locations can participate in the school via Internet. Contact Grimes at grimes.1@osu.edu to register.  There is a $25 registration fee for the Internet link, which will be forwarded upon receipt of your payment and e-mail address. 

Participants can send their name, mailing address, e-mail address, and check payable to “The Ohio State University” to John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator, 1864 Shyville Rd., Piketon, OH 45661. 

Host site locations in Ohio include:

• North Adams High School, 96 Green Devil Drive, in Seaman.
• OSU Extension Coshocton County Office, Room 110, 724 South 7th St., in Coshocton.
• Crawford County Court House, Suite 303, 112 East Mansfield St., in Bucyrus.
• Shelby County Ag Center, 820 Fair Road, in Sidney.
• OSU Extension-Fairfield Co., 831 College Ave., Suite D, in Lancaster.
• Fayette County Agricultural Service Center, 1415 US 22 SW, in Washington Court House.
• Gallia Academy High School, 2855 Centenary Road, in Gallipolis.
• Holmes County Extension Office, 75 East Clinton Street, in Millersburg.
• Huron County Administration Building, 180 Milan Ave., in Norwalk.
• Claylick Run Farm, 11970 Cross Road, in Newark.
• OSU Extension Mahoning County, 490 S. Broad St., in Canfield.
• OSU Extension Morgan County, 155 E. Main St., in McConnelsville.
• OSU Extension Morrow County, 871 Marion Road, in Mt. Gilead.
• OSU Extension Muskingum County, 225 Underwood St., in Zanesville.
• US Department of Agriculture Service Center, 2650 Richville Drive S.E., in Massillon.
• Wayne County Administration Building, 428 West Liberty St., in Wooster.
• OSU Extension Williams County, 1122 W. High St., in Bryan.

Writers

Tracy Turner
614-688-1067
turner.490@osu.edu

Sources

John Grimes
740-289-2071
grimes.1@osu.edu