Your favorite educational event for livestock producers is going virtual in 2020.
More information coming soon. Stay tuned!
2019 Platinum Level
Program Sponsors
Missouri Livestock Symposium Going Virtual in 2020
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – “2020 has provided challenges on many levels and the 21st annual Missouri Livestock Symposium will adapt to meet those challenges,” says Garry Mathes, chairman of the committee.
As the committee met to discuss planning the 2020 Symposium, the tough decision to move from a traditional in-person event to a virtual platform was not made lightly, Mathes stated. “Everyone would prefer an in-person event, however due to the ongoing concerns for public health, we have made the difficult decision to offer free virtual educational resources in 2020.” Mathes added, “it would have been easier to cancel the event entirely, but the committee is dedicated to addressing the challenges of Missouri farmers and ranchers as we have for the last two decades.”
Zac Erwin, MU Extension Livestock Specialist and Symposium vice-chair, says, “In the face of uncertainty we look for opportunity. The program this year will undoubtedly look different, but the focus on providing Missouri livestock producers with the best ideas and information will remain,” says Erwin. Moving to a virtual platform gives us the potential to interact with a whole new clientele that may not make the annual trip to Kirksville.
The 2020 Missouri Livestock Symposium will feature nationally known speakers on a variety of topics. Some of the speakers will be live Zoom presentations giving the audience the opportunity to interact and others will be pre-recorded presentations. “Think of it as more of a winter educational series this year,” said Erwin. These educational resources will be available starting in December and run through February.
Ken McNabb headlines as an equine speaker this year. McNabb holds clinics for horse owners worldwide and can be seen on his weekly RFD-TV program, “Discovering the Horseman Within.” Participants will be able to send questions for Ken to address in his presentation.
The keynote address will feature Corbitt Wall, cattle market analyst with DV Auctions. Corbitt offers straight forward, real-world insights into the beef cattle business that many farmers and ranchers connect with, according to Erwin.
The Missouri Livestock Symposium is planning a virtual agricultural trade show. “Many of our sponsors are sticking with us and we want to give them due credit for their support,” says Mathes.