Released: February 06, 2004

K-State Cattlemen’s Day is March 5

MANHATTAN, Kan. – An update on how bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) could affect U.S. cattle markets will be featured during the 91st annual Cattlemen’s Day March 5 at Kansas State University.

K-State agricultural economists James Mintert and Ted Schroeder, and veterinarian Jerome Nietfeld will discuss the potential impact of BSE, also known as mad cow disease. The disease was found in a dairy cow in Washington state in late December. The cow was later found to have been imported from Canada.

Cattlemen’s Day begins with registration at 8 a.m. in front of Weber Hall, followed by a trade show and educational exhibits. Speakers will present new information and research from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The morning events will include the rapid-fire overview of ongoing beef research by K-State animal scientists.

Interested persons are asked to pre-register to receive a complimentary lunch during Cattlemen’s Day. Lunch for those who don’t register ahead of time will cost $10. All other Cattlemen’s Day activities are free. More information is available online at www.oznet.ksu.edu/pr_cattleday.

Keynote speakers for the morning program are Warren Weibert, owner and general manager of the 38,000 head Decatur County Feed Yard, and Steve Hunt, CEO of U.S. Premium Beef. Weibert will discuss individual animal identification. Hunt will speak on capturing value through branded beef programs as well as the “importance of selling meat and meals instead of cattle.”

A beef skill-a-thon for adults and youth will be held from noon to 2 p.m., followed by awards at 5:15 p.m.

The afternoon session includes presentations at Weber Hall and demonstrations at K-State’s Beef Cattle Research Center on College Avenue in Manhattan. The Special ‘K’ Bull and Heifer Sale will follow in Weber Arena.

Other Cattlemen’s Day topics include beef quality, beef safety, physiology and nutrition and management.

For more information on Cattlemen’s Day, interested persons may call Lois Schreiner in the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at 785-532-1267.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Erin Jamison, Communications Assistant
K-State Research& Extension News