Clinics Provide Cattlemen Opportunities to Improve Profits

Improving profits for cattlemen is the objective of a series of clinics kicking off in Oklahoma this week.  The clinics were developed as a way of getting current industry information and education to Oklahoma producers, and may provide a model for similar sessions in other parts of the country.

"We decided to take our regional meetings and enhance them to better serve our membership and offer cattlemen information they need to make decisions that help improve their potential for profitability," said Scott Dewald, executive director for the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

The meetings, held annually in six regions of the state, are a partnership between the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA), Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). Pfizer Animal Health will sponsor the meetings.

"These meetings are just one example of the excellent opportunities that OCA, NCBA and OSU make available to cattlemen when we work together from a state and national level," said Joe Neill, president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

The clinics will begin at 3:00 p.m. with six rapid-fire cattle management presentations including such topics as forage management, stocker performance factors and calving management.  The educational forum will be followed by a steak dinner and business session focusing on OCA membership activities, legislative issues impacting cattle producers and association elections.  To concluded the evening, Tom Tippens, will discuss the 2003 Cattle Market Outlook

Meeting schedule;

Southwest District           Feb. 17, 3:00 - 8:30            Comanche Fairgrounds, Lawton

Northwest District            Feb. 18, 3:00 - 8:30            Woodward Fairgrounds, Woodward

Southeast District            Feb. 20, 3:00 - 8:30            Kiamichi Technology Center, Hugo

North Central District       Feb.24, 3:00 - 8:30            Kingfisher Fairgrounds, Kingfisher

South Central District       Feb. 25, 3:00 - 8:30            Noble Foundation Pavilion, Ardmore

Northeast District            Feb. 27 3:00 - 8:30      Rogers Fairgrounds, Claremore

For more detailed information regarding these events please contact Steve McKinley, OCA, at 405-235-4391.  For additional information on creating similar programs in other states, contact Melanie Daye at 303-850-3388.