Orr Beef Center Field Day Looks to Strengthen Beef Producers' Focus on Herd Health

By Travis Meteer and Jenna Braasch

Beef cattle producers can dig deeper into herd health and management research by attending the Orr Beef Research Center Field Day on Sept. 11. The meeting will be held at the Ag Sciences Complex and Fred Bradshaw Learning Center at John Wood Community College Ag Center located west of Perry at 37803 IL-104, Baylis.

Attendees will join University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences and Illinois Extension experts for a discussion around trending industry topics and situations producers face on the farm.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a complimentary meal and welcoming remarks that lead to presentations. Field day topics include university research updates, grazing technology, animal health, and herd management. 

Field Day Presentations

• Different Roughage Inclusions on Limit-Fed Cow Rations and Heifer Development Age and Weight Impact on Cow Longevity. Presenter: Dan Shike, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, ACES.
• Algae as a Feedstuff for Beef Cattle and How Important is Hindgut Digestion in Beef Cattle? Presenter: Josh McCann, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, ACES.
• Artificial Intelligence Integration into Grazing Management. Presenter: Isabella Condotta, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, ACES.
• Asian Longhorned Tick Update and How to Manage Increasing Tick Pressure
  Presenter: Teresa Steckler, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Extension.
• Winter Feeding Rations for Beef Cow/Calf Herds. Presenter: Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Extension

Space is limited, and registration is required with an RSVP to Travis Meteer at wmeteer2@illinois.edu or by phone at 217-430-7030. The event will be held indoors in a friendly climate, no matter the weather. A reminder for biosecurity and herd safety: please do not wear clothing or footwear worn in home feedlots or pastures unless washed.

For questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Meteer at the information provided above. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.