Input costs have taken on a wrong directional swing, outpacing a brood cow’s ability to pay her way on most cow-calf operations.

The price of a gallon of diesel has outpaced a fast food restaurant value meal hamburger or the price of a gallon of milk.

Never before have input costs been this high in relation to the price received for the beef 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 one nearest to Mesquite will be an interactive video hookup at the Logandale Extension Office.

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.

Other timely subjects will include an update by Lucy Rechel, chairman of Nevada Beef Council.

Learn how your checkoff dollars are being spent to promote your product – BEEF.

Meghan Wereley, executive secretary of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, and Rachel Aja of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will update the audience on the activities of these two organizations which are the sounding voice of your industry.

Additionally, at most locations a local veterinarian will touch on animal health issues of community concern.

Sites are tentative.

Please call Dr. Thain for verification at 775-784-1377 .

A $10 per-ranch registration fee at the door includes the popular "Red Book" and refreshments.

Those interested in attending at the Logandale location should RSVP to 702-397-2604 or 346-7215.

For more information, contact program coordinators Ron Torell (775) 738-1721 or torellr@unce.unr.edu, David Thain (775) 784-1377 or Ben Bruce (775) 784-1624 .