National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Stockmanship & Stewardship Event in Lancaster, WI

By William Halfman

While the dictionary doesn’t include the word “stockmanship,” most livestock producers know what it means: handling livestock in a calm, quiet manner that results in animals that are healthier and gain faster. Stockmanship skills will be a major focus of the upcoming NCBA Stockmanship & Stewardship event in Lancaster, Wisconsin Aug. 28-29. Extension organizations, beef councils, and cattlemen’s associations from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin have joined with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to hold this event, which runs from 12:30 p.m. Wed. through 1:15 p.m. Thursday.

Tammy Vaassen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Beef Council, emphasized the event’s significance, bringing together well-known industry experts and offers an opportunity for attendees to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified.  “Wisconsin beef producers will have the opportunity to attend a program that will feature nationally recognized beef industry leaders covering topics from the gate to the plate, including animal health, cattle handling, and environmental considerations.”

A highlight of the event is the Thursday morning stockmanship demonstration and chute-side sessions with Dr. Ron Gill from Texas A&M and Curt Pate. Ron and Curt will explain how working with the animals’ instincts helps improve flow and makes handling easier and safer for cattle and humans. They will demonstrate skills in training cattle to move quietly and smoothly through a working facility and chute. In addition to their traditional demonstration, the duo will work dairy cross cattle to highlight their different temperament.  Other opportunities for attendees include networking with fellow cattlemen and women, learning innovative management techniques for improved cattle performance, and becoming BQA certified.

Wednesday afternoon topics and speakers will set the stage for increasing producer knowledge beginning with the keynote address, How Sustainability & Consumers Influence Supply Chains presented by Allison Demer, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Culver Franchising System. Other topics and speakers include Vitamin and Mineral Impacts on Calf Health from Conception to Harvest, Dr. Dathan Smerchek, Iowa State University; Hairy Heel Wart Management, Dr. Doerte Doepfer, University of Wisconsin; Winter Manure Management Considerations to Benefit Water Quality, Jay Solomon, University of Illinois; and Best Management Practices to Optimize Calf Performance in the Feedlot Receiving Phase, Dr. Grant Dewell, ISU.

Wednesday evening features a tour of the Lancaster Ag Research Farm and demonstrations on pasture management, fitness for transport, and trailer inspection and maintenance. Following dinner, a panel of national stewardship award winners, including Jerry Huth, Justin Robbins, and Dave Petty, will offer information and answer questions.

Following the Thursday morning cattle demonstrations, attendees will hear about carcass quality and defects and a panel discussion on genetic selection for sustainability. Any producers who want to certify or renew their BQA certification can take the exam at the end of the event.

Registration is $75 and includes three meals. For more information, including the complete agenda, fees, and registration form, visit www.StockmanshipAndStewardship.org. A list of local hotels can also be found at this site. Cattle producers attending Stockmanship & Stewardship are eligible for reimbursement through the Rancher Resilience Grant.