Strategies to mitigate environmental factors impacting reproduction is the theme of the 2019 Kansas State University Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series. Hosted at four sites across the state of Kansas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by Extension educators on profit-enhancing strategies.
The meetings will also feature a popular “town hall” style Q&A session between Kansas cattle producers and Extension specialists. According to Bob Weaber, K-State Research and Extension cow-calf specialist, the series has a history of being a successful stretch of meetings, which are hosted throughout the state of Kansas.
Weaber, along with other state, district and local Extension staff, will take part in the series to help answer producers’ questions. The specialists will answer a wide range of questions on beef cattle issues including animal health, nutrition, management, genetics and reproduction.
“The previous year’s variable weather across Kansas presented many challenges for farmers and ranchers. Our Extension team continues to field questions from beef producers related to environmental effects and their impact on cow-herd reproduction,” Weaber says. “The Winter Ranch Management series provides another great opportunity for state and local specialists to take our expertise out in the country for a series of impactful face-to-face meetings. Our Extension team has a breadth of experience in beef cattle management, reproduction, genetics, animal health and nutrition. We’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.”
Topics to be discussed are environmental factors affecting conception rates and forage quality and availability impacts on beef cow nutrition during late gestation and pre-breeding.
“Early in the year is a great time for producers to think and plan for the coming year.” he says. “Many producers have a number of experiences in 2018 to reflect upon. As producers approach the calving season it is a good time of year to consider opportunities to improve management to reduce costs and enhance revenue streams.”
Minneapolis
The first of the seminars will be on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Minneapolis grade school gym. The seminar will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Those planning to attend should register by Jan. 29 by contacting Cade Rensink, Central Kansas District, 785-378-3174, crensink@ksu.edu; Barrett Simon, Post Rock Extension District, 785-378-3174, barrett8@ksu.edu; Brett Melton, River Valley District, 785-243-8185, bmelton@ksu.edu; or Clint Lafliton, Midway Extension District, 785-483-3157, cllaflin@ksu.edu.
Jetmore
The Jetmore seminar will be from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Hodgeman County 4-H building in Jetmore. Those planning to attend should contact DeWayne Craghead with Hodgeman County Extension. Call 620-357-8321 or email dcraghea@ksu.edu by Feb. 12.
Rush Center
The Rush Center seminar will also be on Tuesday, Feb. 19 but the time will be later in the day from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The seminar will be in Township Hall in Rush Center. Those planning to attend should register by Feb. 12 by contacting Alicia Boor, Great Bend Office, Cottonwood Extension District, at 620-793-1910 or aboor@ksu.edu; or Jared Petersilie, LaCrosse Office of the Walnut Creek Extension District, at 785-222-2710 or jaredp11@ksu.edu.
McPherson
The final seminar will be Feb. 26 from 12:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the McPherson County Extension Office. Attendees should contract Terra Regehr, McPherson County Extension office professional, at 620-241-1523 or email tregehr@ksu.edu by Feb. 19. More information can be obtained by contacting Shad Marston, McPherson County Extension agriculture agent, at 620-241-1523 or smarston@ksu.edu.
All seminars will include a meal. More information about the K-State Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series is available at ksubeef.org.
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