ELKO – Input costs have taken on a wrong directional swing, out pacing a brood cow’s ability to pay her way on most cow-calf operations. The price of a gallon of diesel has out paced a fast food restaurant value meal hamburger or the price of a gallon of milk. Never before have our input costs been this high in relation to the price received for our product. Attend Cattlemen’s Update 2009 program and hear experts discuss ways to cope with these turbulent times. The annual Cattlemen’s Update will to be held Jan. 5-9, 2009, in various Nevada communities and through interactive video. The workshops are sponsored by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE), College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, U.S.D.A. Risk Management Agency, Pfizer Animal Health and the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association.
The timely subject of international marketing of beef, beef quality assurance, age and source verification and country of origin labeling will be discussed as well as an update by your state beef council on how your state-allocated checkoff dollars are being spent and an update on activities of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
International marketing of beef and its supply and demand will highlight the three-hour program. Jim Robb, director of the Livestock Marketing Information Center, is the invited speaker for the 2009 Cattlemen’s Update. Dr. David Thain, state Extension veterinarian, will discuss animal welfare and bio-security issues while Dr. Ben Bruce, UNCE beef specialist, will discuss age and source verification programs and country of origin labeling. Ron Torell, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension livestock specialist, will discuss timely marketing of cull cows and present the results of the 2007 Market Cow and Bull Audit.
“I encourage ranchers to bring their entire crew to the program, including spouse and working-age children, and anyone who wants to learn more about the current state of the livestock industry,” Torell said. “You might think the subject matter does not apply to your operation however, we live in a global market which is currently experiencing turbulent economic times. Business as usual will not keep your operation above water in the future. The information presented here may help you stay afloat through this tumultuous period,” Torell concluded.