Topics include lowering costs, improving profit

Published: October 23, 2009
Story Source: David Davis, 660-895-5121; Joetta Roberts, 573-499-0886

LAKE OZARK, Mo. -Topics ranging from the size of cows used for grazing pastures to studying dung beetles as indicators of grassland health are on the agenda for the annual meeting of the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council, Nov. 2-3, at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Keynote speaker Kirk Gadzia will discuss "Managing for Healthy Land, Healthy Animals and Happy People." Gadzia is co-author of the book "Rangeland Health," published in 1994 by the National Academy of Sciences.

Walt Davis will tell of the "Dung Beetle's Role in Pasture Ecosystems." Davis, a fifth-generation rancher in Oklahoma, works to lower inputs and increase sustainability. He also teaches seminars on resource management.

MU scientists will discuss how to use improved forage for livestock. Beef geneticist Bob Weaber will describe the "Economic Impact of Cow Biological Type."

"My goal is to get producers thinking about matching cow genetic potential to the pasture productivity. The aim will be to limit supplemental feeding and cut input costs," Weaber said.

There is a debate among graziers on cow size, but the literature shows there isn't one biological type of cow that is most efficient in all environments, he said.

"Big cows aren't always bad and small cows aren't always good," Weaber said. "I'll discuss ways for producers to optimize productivity." Methods include selection for moderate levels of growth, reducing mature-cow size and considering milking potential. He will explain how producers can use crossbreeding, or heterosis, to boost production.

In addition to speakers and farmer panels, there will be a trade show by suppliers of forage seed and hardware for management-intensive grazing systems.

The meeting, held at the Resort at Port Arrowhead, starts with sign-in at 10 a.m., Nov. 2. David K. Davis, MFGC president and University of Missouri forage scientist, will deliver the welcome and introductions at 10:45 a.m. An awards banquet will take place that evening. The program starts again the next day at 8 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m.

Advance registration is required. Registration fee for MFGC members is $90 or $135 for couples. Nonmembers add $30. For details, contact Joetta Roberts at 573-499-0886 or mfgc@mchsi.com. For room reservations, call the resort at 1-800-532-3575.

Additional information, including a meeting agenda, is available at http://agebb.missouri.edu/mfgc/mfgcannconf.htm.

MFGC is a commodity group for livestock producers interested in improving grassland production and quality.