Animal welfare focus of program at four Nebraska locations

Meetings in early February at Gering and three other Nebraska sites will educate livestock producers about perceptions and perspectives of animal welfare in relation to consumers, retailers and advocacy groups.

It is valuable information for producers as the world population grows and safe and wholesome food production remains a top priority, organizers say.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will sponsor the educational programs to address these issues and also provide information on the most current industry issues. Dates and locations:

• West Point, Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave., Feb. 6

• Lincoln, UNL East Campus Union, 33rd and Holdrege, Feb. 7

• Kearney, Buffalo Co. Extension Office, 1400 E. 34th St., Feb. 8

• Gering, Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St., Feb. 9

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Early bird registration (before Feb. 1) is $50 per person and $25 for each additional person from the same operation. Registration at the door is $60 per person, and $30 for each additional person from the same operation. Price includes meal, break, and proceedings.

Speakers include Dr. Candace Croney, Purdue University; Dr. Dan Tompson and Dr. Glynn Tonsor, both from Kansas State University; and Jim Robb from the Livestock Marketing Information Center.

For more information contact one of the following Extension educators, or visit their county Web site for the program brochure:

• Lindsay Chichester, Richardson County, 402-245-4324, richardson.unl.edu

• Denny Bauer, Brown, Keya Paha and Rock counties, 800-634-8951, bkr.unl.edu

• Troy Walz, Custer County, 308-872-6831, custer.unl.edu.

– UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center