2012 Cattlemen’s Day set for Feb. 8 at Gudmundsen

It’s been a good year for beef producers. Above average rainfall produced abundant hay. Record prices made producers grin all the way to the bank after selling calves. While the generous rain and prices have made ranching easier, the fundamentals haven’t changed. Learn more about the industry at the 5th annual “Cattlemen’s Day” at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Lab on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (MT).

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and rolls. Jerry Volesky, UNL Range Management Specialist, will start the morning with “grazing and haying strategies for Sandhill meadows.” Then Rick Funston, UNL Reproductive Specialist, will discuss “options for managing reproduction in your herd”. To finish out the morning, Tom Field of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program will talk about “building a successful beef business in changing times.” “Important criteria for selecting bulls” by Matt Spangler, UNL Beef Specialist, will follow lunch. A panel of producers will talk about the grazing strategies that work for them on their ranch.

Trade booths are encouraged to attend also. Contact Rick Funston at rfunston2@unl.edu or call 308-696-6703 for a booth (cost $50). Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the meal, sponsored by, Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, Farm Credit Services of America, and Merck Animal Health, by Jan. 30 to the Central Sandhills Extension Office (800-657-2113 or 308-645-2267) or Ellen at 308-696-6701.

The Gudmundsen Sandhills Lab is located 3 miles north of Whitman, NE, and 5 miles east. The Wagonhammer Building is the building to the east.

– UNL