Pre MLS Press Releases

Youth Dummy Steer Roping Contest New Event at 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium

Youth, ages four to twelve, are eligible to compete in this year's 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium Dummy Steer Roping Contest. The contest, sponsored by the Kirksville Morning Optimist Club, will be held at 2 pm, December 6th as a part of this year's Symposium. There is no entry fee or early registration required. However, entrants must sign up at the Missouri Livestock Symposium registration table between 11 am and 1:30 pm on Saturday, December 6th.

The Dummy Steer Roping Contest features three classes; boys and girls 4 to 6 years old, boys and girls 7 to 9 years old, and boys and girls 10 to 12 years old. Age is based on age the day of the event. Winners in each category will demonstrate their roping talents on Saturday evening at 7:30 pm just prior to the John Conlee Show concert which begins at 8 pm.

Cash prizes for the top three in each category and belt buckles for first place in each category will be awarded.

Rules and contest information can be found here  http://www.missourilivestock.com/mls2503.htm or by contacting Garry Mathes at 660-665-7049.

The Missouri Livestock Symposium features programs and speakers on horses, beef cattle, sheep, meat goats, forages, the environment, stock dogs, and more. Doors to the trade show and symposium open at 4 pm on Friday December 5th. A free beef supper will be served at 6 pm followed by speaker Harlan Hughes who will talk on "Cattle Prices - What You Need to Know", and Ag Days' award winning anchor, Al Pell.

Doors to the Symposium open 8 am on Saturday, December 6th. Internationally known experts from 10 states and Mexico will be on hand to cover important livestock and agriculturally related topics. Al Pell will be at the Symposium Saturday morning to visit with guests and Symposium attendees will be greeted by special attractions including Bob 'N' Bozo, "Artie" the 2003 World Champion Jack, and the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine Mule Team. A Governor's Style Luncheon at 11:30 am and at 6 pm the "Taste of Kirksville" will be featured.

Complete program topics, speakers, and details can be found on the web at http://missourilivestock.com or by calling 660-665-9866.

John Conlee tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and must be purchased in advance by calling 660-665-9866.

The 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium is held at the Kirksville Middle School, 1515 Cottage Grove, Kirksville, Missouri.

How to Profit from the Cattle Cycle

Bob Wells, Iowa State University Field Economist
641-673-4841

Iowa livestock producers are invited to attend the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium, December 5th and 6th at the Kirksville Missouri Middle School. During the two day symposium, leading industry producers and researchers will address issues and topics that affect the profitability of all livestock producer's. The symposium's outstanding speakers will deliver practical, useful and profitable take home messages that can go straight to the producer's bottom line. Whether you produce beef, horses, sheep, goats, need to improve your pasture, or get a new stock dog, this years symposium has a session you can profit from.

Beginning with the Friday evening session, a wide range of important livestock issues will be discussed. Sheri Spader, Past President of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association will address the "Continuing Contributions made by Women in the Livestock Industry." Dr. Harlan Hughes, Livestock Specialist from Laramie, Wyoming will tell us how we can Profit from the Cattle Cycles" and Al Pell, Host of television's Ag Day will present a unique and humorous look at today's agriculture.

Saturday the whole family can design their own learning experience. There are four jam packed sections devoted to all livestock species, beef, horses, sheep and goats, and forages. And three additional sections with topics ranging from wind energy, renewable energy, stock dog training, holiday flower arranging, nutrition and gardening tips everyone should be able to have a unique learning experience.

Beef producers should have a particular interest in several sessions, the first presented by Jim Gerrish, Idaho consultant, on the value of "Changing from a Spring Calving to a Fall Calving" program, new research in "Offsetting the Fescue Problem," by Dr. Dee Cross of Clemson University and "Cattle Ranching Made Profitable," by Kit Pharo, Cheyenne, Wyoming rancher. Horse enthusiasts will want to attend talks by Dr Gary Potter, Texas A&M, on "Feeding and Conditioning for Power & Stamina," and Dr. Dee Cross, Clemson University, discussing " Reproductive Issues with Fescue and Horses."

The Symposium also features an industry trade show. Family entertainment for this years symposium is Grand Ole Opry star and "champion of the common man," John Conlee. Conlee is best known for his hits, "Rose Colored Glasses," "Friday Night Blues," and "Common Man." For more information on the symposium, directions to the Kirksville Middle School and tickets for the John Conlee show, call 660-665-9866 or visit the Missouri Livestock Symposium web-site at: www.missourilivestock.com.

2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium, Dec. 5-6, features beef cattle health, management experts 

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Cattlemen and beef researchers from across North America will be on hand to present information on a variety of cattle health and management issues at the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium program, Dec. 5-6. 

"This is our third annual symposium," said Bruce Lane, University of Missouri extension livestock specialist and member of the planning committee. "We had around 1,500 participants last year, and we're hoping for an even larger crowd this year."

 The symposium opens Friday with a trade show at 4 pm at the Kirksville Middle School, 1515 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Following a free dinner at 6 pm, Sheri Spader, past president of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, will talk about women's contributions to the livestock industry. Harlan Hughes, livestock economist and professor emeritus from North Dakota State University, will then discuss how to profit from cattle cycles. Al Pell, anchor for the TV program, "AgDay," will provide the evening's entertainment. 

The trade show reopens at 8 am Saturday, and concurrent informational sessions begin at 9 am.  In addition to presentations on topics related to horses, sheep, forages, stock dogs, meat goats and the environment, eight speakers will give 11 presentations related to beef cattle throughout the day, Lane said. 

MU extension veterinarian Richard Randle will address cattle health and beef quality assurance. "Dr. Randle will discuss steps cattlemen can take to ensure their product is safe and of high quality," Lane said. "He'll also talk about vaccination programs and demonstrate injection techniques."

Jim Gerrish, former research agronomist at the MU Forage Systems Research Center, will return to Missouri from Idaho to answer questions about the increasing trend toward fall calving. "A lot of producers, including myself, are moving toward fall calves to take advantage of a developing market niche," said Garry Mathes, a cattlemen from Sperry, Missouri, and chair of the symposium program committee. 

Dee Cross, professor of animal and veterinary sciences at Clemson University, will present his research on using pharmaceuticals to overcome fescue toxicosis in cattle. Cross also will discuss horse reproduction issues related to fescue, Lane said. 

Meat science professor Gary Smith will travel from Colorado State University to talk about current issues in the beef industry. "Dr. Smith is one of the world's preeminent meat scientists," Lane said. "He'll address issues such as country-of-origin labeling, mad cow disease, foot and mouth disease, and chronic wasting disease." 

Kit Pharo, a cattle rancher from Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, will share his insights on producing cattle to fit the environment as a means of profitability. "Producers understandably relate well to other producers, so our committee works hard to always include them on the program as well," Lane said. 

Hughes, who also writes the column, "Market Advisor," will follow up his Friday presentation with two sessions on common sense tips for success, Lane said. 

Other speakers include Dan Loy, a professor of animal sciences at Iowa State University, who will discuss cattle feeding opportunities in Missouri; and Kent Shannon, MU extension associate, who will talk about designing practical cattle working facilities. 

The symposium wraps up Saturday night with dinner, a roping demonstration by area youth, and a concert by country music singer John Conlee, who performs at 8 pm. 

Sponsors of the two-day event include University of Missouri Outreach and Extension, the Kirksville TeleConference Resource Center, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the MU Commercial Agriculture Program, and businesses and individuals that provide support for the Missouri livestock industry. 

Pre-registration for the symposium, which is free and open to the public, is not required. Tickets for the John Conlee concert are $10 each, and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, as seating is limited. For more information, contact Lane at (660) 665-9866, or visit the symposium's web site at http://missourilivestock.com.

DNR official to discuss wind-power potential at Missouri Livestock Symposium on Dec. 6

COLUMBIA, MO - It is a nearly limitless source of energy. It is clean, invisible, odorless and - at least in some parts of Missouri - widely available. Wind power is an efficient way to generate electricity, and state officials are mapping sites in Missouri to help those who seek to harness the wind. 

"The way people model weather patterns has moved forward fantastically in the last 10 years," said Rick Anderson of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "It's been applied to tasks other than predicting the next rainstorm. It can also be used to predict wind energy patterns for different parts of the country." 

Anderson, of the DNR Energy Center, will provide an update of the wind power project as part of the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium on Dec. 6, at Kirksville Middle School in Kirksville, MO. 

Although the mapping project is not yet complete, he said, the "interim-final" map is likely to pique the interest of producers in some parts of Missouri. "North and West Missouri have the best winds. The northwestern counties have the largest areas of high potential. The map indicates there are smaller areas with similar wind speeds at various locations throughout the state." 

The preliminary map was scheduled to be publicly available on Friday, Oct. 24 on the DNR wind energy website at http://www.dnr.state.mo.us/energy/renewables/wind-energy.htm. 

Wind-driven energy could be a boon for some rural landowners, said Kelly Nelson, University of Missouri agronomist at MU Greenley Research Center near Novelty, MO. 

"Wind generators are a new opportunity for rural economies," he said. "The wind is an untapped energy source that is readily available, and all we have to do is harness it. Once you identify the areas that look promising and get support from the grassroots efforts, you take the next step." 

To determine wind resources in the state, the DNR has begun the Missouri Anemometer Loan Program, whereby landowners can obtain and install 20-meter-tall towers that measure wind velocity and consistency. 

Until recently, "Most of our wind data has been taken at the 8- to 10-foot level," Nelson said. "That's not nearly as high as you'd put a wind generator. At a higher elevation, you tend to get consistently higher wind velocities." 

Anderson said previous studies indicated the best potential wind-power sites were in the Ozark Mountain region of Missouri. "It turns out that that only applied to exposed hilltops." 

Wind farms, featuring fields of huge towers with propellers that catch the wind and convert it to electricity, are a common sight in parts of the western United States. The yearly lease price on some productive wind farms may be as much as several thousand dollars per acre. 

"There's a certain amount of wind you need to make it feasible, and a lot of infrastructure that you need to tie it back into the grid," Nelson said. "If you can establish some wind farms, you need transmission lines to reap the benefits." 

Anderson said the interim wind map will be validated by an independent meteorologist and the U.S. Department of Energy. "Eventually, we can make available a more detailed version of the map on CD-Rom," he said. "People will be able to find out the probably wind energy at various heights, and we can identify the areas that are worthy of more advanced sampling." 

For some parts of Missouri, "this might represent a real opportunity, he said, adding: It's a little too early to get anybody salivating. It doesn't mean we're going to be the Saudi Arabia of wind power." 

Landowners interested in the program should attend Anderson's presentation at 9 am on Dec. 6 at the symposium, located at 1515 S. Cottage Grove Ave. The two-day event will feature presentations on wide-ranging aspects of the livestock business, from show-horse selection to cattle vaccination to stock dog training, said Bruce Lane, University of Missouri extension livestock specialist in Adair County. Country music recording artist John Conlee will perform Saturday night after the roping contest awards and a roping demonstration by area youth. 

For more information about the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium, call Bruce Lane at (660) 665-9866 or e-mail him at lanen@missouri.edu. 

Bill Sidwell is Inaugural Inductee into Wall of Fame

Bill Sidwell has been selected as the 2003 Northeast Missouri Livestock Person of the Year. He will be inducted into the Missouri Livestock Symposium Wall of Fame at the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium on December 5, 2003 at approximately 7 pm. 

According to Garry Mathes, Missouri Livestock Symposium Committee Chair, "Bill Sidwell exemplifies the commitment to community and industry sought by the selection committee." Bill Sidwell served 3 times as President of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA), served as President of the Adair-Schuyler Cattlemen's Association, received the Missouri Beef Industry Council Award for "Outstanding Service to the Council", and was recently awarded the "Old Timers Award" by the Missouri Cattlemen's Association. 

Bill Sidwell has also received the MCA's Premier Award in 1995. He served on Governor Kit Bond's Agricultural Advisory Committee from 1977 to 1986 and was confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Veterinary Licensing Board Committee. In addition, Bill Sidwell has served as a National Cattlemen's Association (NCA) board member, NCA Vice-President, and has served on National and State Farm Bureau committees and projects. 

In addition to serving the cattle producers of Missouri and the nation, Bill has also been active in his community. He has received the Balanced Farming Award presented by University Outreach and Extension, been recognized by the Iowa Boy Scouts for his work with their organization, is past chairman of the Board and current member of his Methodist Church, served on the Faith Parish Council and is a charter member of the Queen City Lions Club. 

Bill and his wife Eloise, reside in Queen City, Missouri where they presently run 120 beef cows and help with a hunting business ran by son Curtis. Other sons include David and Dennis. In addition, the Sidwells have 5 grandchildren--Sheila, Stephanie, Cole, Sarah and Jason.

Bill Sidwell exemplifies the spirit of which this award is based upon. His dedication and leadership to community and industry are testimony to his unselfish nature. As a founding member of the Missouri Livestock Symposium, Bill Sidwell continues to serve his community and industry. It is therefore, with great honor, that Bill Sidwell has been selected as the 2003 Northeast Missouri Livestock Person of the Year, and, as such, will have his portrait hung as a member of the Northeast Missouri Wall of Fame. 

For more information on the Northeast Missouri Livestock Person of the Year Award or the Missouri Livestock Symposium, contact Bruce Lane, University Outreach and Extension Livestock Specialist at 503 E. Northtown Road in Kirksville, MO or call 660-665-9866 or email lanen@missouri.edu. Or access our website at www.missourilivestock.com.

FROM:  Bruce Lane, University Outreach and Extension Livestock Specialist

Top Beef Cattle Experts
Featured at 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium

The 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium will be held December 5^th and 6^th in Kirksville, Missouri. The Beef Sections will feature nationally and internationally known personalities speaking on relevant topics and current issues facing beef cattle producers and the beef industry. According to Garry Mathes, Chair of the Missouri Livestock Symposium Committee, the program for beef cattle producers “should be outstanding”! Featured speakers include Dr. Gary Smith of Colorado State University. Dr. Smith is one of the top meat scientists in the United States and has received numerous national and international honors for his work and research. His research interests include carcass evaluation and grading; composition, quality, and palatability of red meat; red meat safety; and packaging and retailing of red meat. A sought after speaker all over the country, Gary Smith is slated for two presentations at this year’s Symposium.

Dr. Harlan Hughes of Wyoming will also be a featured Beef Section speaker this year. A livestock economist and former professor at North Dakota State University, Dr. Hughes is slated to speak on “Profiting from Cattle Cycles” on Friday evening, December 5^th and will also speak about “Ideas for Success” on Saturday, December 6^th. He is a monthly author for Beef Magazine  and known nationally for his biweekly Market Advice column.

Dr. Dan Loy, Iowa State University, has been given the assignment of speaking on “Cattle Feeding in the Midwest”. Dr. Loy has been instrumental in leading the Iowa beef industry to improve its efficiency and technology use compared to regions where large commercial feedlots dominate.

Also on the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium program are beef cattle producer Kit Pharo of Pharo Cattle Company, Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. The Pharos produce functional, commercial oriented cattle. Their goal has been to “increase production without increasing expenses, and to reduce expenses without reducing production.”  Kit Pharo gives two talks at this year’s Symposium; “Cattle Ranching Made Profitable’ and “ Producing Cattle that Fit Your Environment”. No stranger to pasture gurus nationwide, Jim Gerrish, formerly with the Forage Systems Research Center, University of Missouri, and now a private consultant from Idaho, also gives two talks. One talk is in the Beef Section where he addresses the topic of “Fall vs. Spring Calving – Is it Time to Change?”; the second is in the Forages Section where his talk title is “Fertilizing Pastures – How I’ve Changed My Mind”.

Clemson University’s, Dee Cross appears at the Livestock Symposium for the first time to share some exciting news regarding “Research Off-Setting the Fescue Problem”.  Dr. Cross is known for his cutting-edge work in this area and has some interesting news to present in the Horse Section as well where he speaks on “Reproduction Issues with Fescue and Horses”.

Other beef cattle talks will be given by Dr. Richard Randle who will give a talk and demonstration on “Vaccinating Techniques, Cattle Health, and BQA”; Kent Shannon, Ag Engineer from the University of Missouri who will speak on “Practical Working Facilities for Cattle”; and Bridget Fridley of Cameron, Missouri who talks on “Stock Dog Selection and Training”.

The 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium also features other nationally and internationally known experts and speakers on Horses, Forages, the Environment, Sheep, Meat Goats, Human Nutrition, Gardening, and more!

The Missouri Livestock Symposium will also feature Ag Day’s TV Anchor, Al Pell, who addresses the Symposium on Friday evening. Nashville country music star, John Conlee, performs Saturday night at 8 pm.

Other highlights of this year’s Symposium include a free beef supper served at 6 pm on Friday evening and a free Governor’s Style Luncheon served from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Saturday. The latter is co-sponsored by many of Missouri’s fine commodity organizations and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Doors to the Missouri Livestock Symposium open at 4 pm on Friday, December 5^th. The Symposium doors open again Saturday morning, December 6^th at 8 am. A free trade show featuring a variety of agriculturally and domestic related booths will be open both days. New features also include the presence of the Missouri University Mule Team and Bob Perry with his trained Longhorn steer “Bozo”.

There is no registration or costs associated with the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium except to attend the John Conlee show. Tickets for the latter are $10 each and go on sale October 15^th.  Seating is limited. For ticket information or for a more detailed look at the Missouri Livestock Symposium program, call 660-665-9866 or view the MLS website at http://missourilivestock.com.  The Missouri Livestock Symposium will be held at the Kirksville Middle School, 1515 S. Cottage Grove, Kirksville, Missouri.

2003 Livestock Symposium set for Dec. 5-6 at Kirksville

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Thirty-eight individuals have been asked to present information at the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium program, according to Garry Mathes.

"Members of our program committee have commitments from nationally know speakers from coast-to-coast and Mexico to be a part of the 2003 symposium," said Mathes, a farmer from Greentop, Missouri, and chair of the program committee.

The livestock symposium will be Dec. 5 and 6, at the Kirksville Middle School. Friday's program runs from 4 until 10 p.m., and the Saturday program is from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

"This will be the third year we've held the symposium and our goal is to register more than the 1,500 people who attended last year's program," Mathes said.

There will be a trade show and entertainment in addition to speakers on beef cattle, sheep, meat goats, horses, working dogs, forages and the environment.

Two free meals have been scheduled - dinner on Friday evening and lunch on Saturday.

Al Pell, host of the popular Ag Day television program, will be the featured speaker Friday evening, Dec. 5, and will also be present during the Saturday program. Nashville star John Conlee will mark the end of the symposium program with a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday.

"There is no registration fee for the program, but there is a $10 ticket charge for the John Conlee show," Mathes said.

Up to 70 representatives and supporters of Missouri agriculture are expected to have displays at the trade show.

Additional program developments will be posted on the symposium website at http://missourilivestock.com , said Bruce Lane, University of Missouri regional extension livestock specialist, Kirksville.

A new addition to the symposium program will be the awarding of the "2003 Northeast Missouri Livestock Person of the Year" award.

"The purpose of the award is to honor northeast Missouri agricultural leaders who have made significant contributions to the progress and well being of the livestock industry," Lane said.

Sponsors of the two-day event include University of Missouri Outreach and Extension, Kirksville Telecommunication Community Resource Center (TCRC), Missouri Department of Agriculture, University Extension Commercial Agriculture Program, and state and areas businesses as well as individuals that provide support for the Missouri livestock industry.

Members of the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium committee, in addition to Mathes and Lane, include David Pulliam, secretary, Greentop; Oscar Mensa, treasurer, Milan; Mike Klem, Novinger; Bill Sidwell, Queen City; Kevin Stith, Paris; Tim Clapp, Macon; Leon McIntyre, Linneus; Kenneth Suter, Wyaconda; Bob Wells, Oskaloosa, Iowa; Scott Payne, Edina; Charles Cooper, Greentop; Kelly Nelson and Mike Franke, Novelty; Breanne McLeod and Gene Wiseman, Jefferson City; and Jerry Whittom, Fred Kilmer, Kristie Swaim, Mark Simler, and Tom Kent, Kirksville.

FROM:  Bruce Lane, University Outreach and Extension Livestock Specialist

Missouri Livestock Symposium
December 5^th & 6^th also Features Environmental Topics

Last year’s Missouri Livestock Symposium (MLS) held a program related to wind power potential and according to 2003 MLS chair person Garry Mathes “the interest generated convinced us to have more topics like this again this year.”  As a result the MLS will feature several outstanding topics and nationally known speakers this year as well. Headlining the Environment Section is Dr. David Osterberg from the University of Iowa, Iowa. A nationally known expert, Osterberg will speak on a variety of issues relative to renewable resources in Missouri and the Midwest. Dr. Hank Stelzer, Extension Forester with University of Missouri, will address the topic of timber management as an important resource; Mr. Glenn Lloyd of the Missouri DNR will talk on solar power, and a “Wind Power Update, will be given by Mr. Rick Anderson, also from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Jefferson City, Missouri.

The 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium features nationally and internationally known speakers on horses, beef cattle, forages, sheep, meat goats, stock dogs, human nutrition, gardening and more.  Speakers on the program will be coming from 10 states and Mexico! Featured entertainers for the 2003 MLS are Ag Day’s Al Pell (Friday night) and country music star John Conlee (Saturday night).

There is no registration or charge to attend the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium except the John Conlee Show. Tickets are $10 each and go on sale October 15^th. For ticket information call 660-665-9866.Complete MLS program information can also be found at http://missourilivestock.com.

FROM:   Bruce Lane, University Outreach & Extension Livestock Specialist

December 5^th – 6^th Missouri Livestock Symposium Features Programs On Traditional Farm Animals Plus More!

Why are Midwest farmers moving or expanding operations to Brazil? What you need to know about stock dogs! And, environmental programs on wind energy, solar energy, renewable resources and timber management will all be featured at the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium (MLS) to be held December 5^th & 6^th in Kirksville, Missouri. MLS opens Friday afternoon at 4 pm at Kirksville Middle School, 1515 S. Cottage Grove, Kirksville, Missouri.

According to Symposium Chair, Garry Mathes, the Missouri Livestock Symposium (MLS) two day event will also feature an excellent, broad-based trade show that runs from 4 until 10 pm on Friday and from 8 am until 8 pm on Saturday. In addition, there will be a free beef supper served at 6 pm Friday evening and this will be followed by three keynote speakers that Mathes insists “you won’t want to miss”. These include Sheri Spader from Rosendale, Missouri who talks on “Women’s Contributions to the Livestock Industry”; Dr. Harlan Hughes of Wyoming who talks about “Profiting from Cattle Cycles”; and the news anchor from the popular Ag Day Television Show, Al Pell, who entertains Friday evening as well.

On Saturday the doors open at 8 am with educational seminars beginning at 9 am. Speakers from 10 states and Mexico will address topics of interest to horse producers, beef cattle producers, sheep and meat goat producers, forage producers, and other topics focusing on gardening, healthy nutrition, and more. The complete MLS program can be accessed on the internet at http://missourilivestock.com or by calling Bruce Lane at 660-665-9866 or Garry Mathes at 660-665-7049.

Mathes also indicates that some special attractions and events are planned for this year’s event.  The University of Missouri Mule Team is expected to be on hand, as is Bob Perry and his trained steer “Bozo”. Country music star John Conlee caps off the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium on Saturday night at 8 pm. There are no charges or registration required to attend the Missouri Livestock Symposium except for John Conlee Show tickets which go on sale October 15^th for $10 each. Seating is limited and sold on a first come first served basis by calling the numbers provided above.  Last year’s Symposium had attendees from 60 Missouri counties and 8 states.

FROM:  Bruce Lane, University Outreach & Extension  Livestock Specialist

2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium to
Induct First Wall of Fame Recipient

The first inductee(s) into the Missouri Livestock Symposium “Wall of Fame” will be revealed Friday evening, December 5^th, during the featured evening program. Missouri Livestock Symposium (MLS) chair, Garry Mathes, says he hopes this will be an annual part of the Symposium to “recognize those from northeast Missouri who have contributed significantly to the livestock industry.” The recipient(s) will be presented with a hand painted 20 x 24 oil portrait to be hung in a setting that will be seen by as many people as possible. This location is still being explored and yet to be determined.

Mathes indicated that a great deal of thought and planning has been associated with this award because of its significance. “We want this to be special and the premier award bestowed to livestock producers or associates of the livestock industry in this region of the state,” said Mathes.

The deadline for 2003 applications closed August 1. Mathes said the Missouri Livestock Symposium was “elated with the interest, the double-digit number of applications, and the quality of the applicants was absolutely tremendous – a real tribute to our area.” Applications for the 2004 Livestock Person of the Year will be taken up to August 1, 2004. The application and information pertaining to the process and award can be found at http://missourilivestock.com. The same website has detailed information about the 2003 MLS program, location and lodging, special attractions, trade show information, free meals, and featured entertainers.

This year’s Missouri Livestock Symposium will be held at the Kirksville Middle School, 1515 S. Cottage Grove, Kirksville, Missouri. Doors open at 4 pm Friday, December 5^th and at 8 am December 6^th. Additional information can be obtained by calling Bruce Lane at 660-665-9866 or Garry Mathes at 660-665-7049.

Horse Experts from Texas to South Carolina Featured at Missouri Livestock Symposium December 5-6 in Kirksville, Missouri

An expert lineup of speakers have been contracted to address horse enthusiasts at the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium to be held December 5^th and 6^th at the Kirksville Middle School, Kirksville, Missouri according to Symposium chair, Garry Mathes.

Dr. Dee Cross of Clemson University in South Carolina will be on hand to talk about his research related to offsetting foaling difficulties associated with fescue pastures. Dr. Cross has also done work related to beef cattle and will speak in the Symposium’s Beef Section as well. On the horse program as well will be Dr. Gary Potter of Texas A&M. Dr. Potter is known nationally and will talk about developing the young horse and also about horse selection. He has coached more winning equine judging teams at the collegiate level than anyone in the country. A different Dr. Cross, David Cross, from the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine will provide horse folks with the latest on West Nile and will also discuss other relevant horse health related issues with producers.

In addition to the horse education programs the University of Missouri Mule Team will be on hand. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the mule and it’s contributions to society. Mule drawn wagon rides will also be provided for those interested. The Forage Section of the Livestock Symposium will also have programs of specific interest to horse owners and enthusiasts.

The 2003 Missouri Symposium will also feature Ag Day’s Al Pell and Country Music Star John Conlee from Nashville. Al Pell caps off Friday night’s program in the auditorium after Sheri Spader, past President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association speaks on "Celebrating Women’s Contributions to the Livestock Industry". John Conlee performs Saturday night at 8 p.m. Conlee tickets can be purchased after October 15^th by calling 660-665-9866. Tickets are $10 each. There are no other costs associated with the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium.

Detailed program and related information regarding the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium can be found on the world-wide-web at http://missourilivestock.com or by calling Bruce Lane (660-665-9866) or Garry Mathes (660-665-7049).

FROM:  Bruce Lane, University Outreach and Extension Livestock Specialist

 Beef Cattle, Other Program Line-Up 
Announced for 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium

The 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium is scheduled for December 5^th and 6^th in Kirksville, Missouri.  This year’s program, according to chair, Garry Mathes of Greentop, Missouri, features speakers from 10 states and Mexico. “The committee has invested a lot of effort to bring some of the industry’s top minds to the Symposium and we think those interested in agriculture should find the program attractive and worth the effort to attend.”

The Beef Cattle Section of the Symposium features the following speakers: Dr. Harlan Hughes, Wyoming; Dr. Dan Loy, Iowa State University; Mr. Kit Pharo, Colorado; Dr. Dee Cross, Clemson University, South Carolina; Mr. Jim Gerrish, Idaho; and Dr. Gary Smith, Colorado State University.

Dr. Harlan Hughes of Laramie, Wyoming is a monthly author for Beef Magazine and is a frequently sought-after conference speaker throughout the USA and Canada. His top priority educational program has been writing and publishing the bi-weekly Market Advisor Column. Dr. Hughes will speak on Friday evening, December 5^th and discuss with producers how they can “Profit from Cattle Cycles”. He speaks again on Saturday, December 6^th in the Beef Section where his talk is titled “Beef Business Savvy”

Also on the beef program is Dr. Gary Smith of Colorado State University. Recognized as one of the pre-eminent meat scientists in the world, he has occupied the Monfort Endowed Chair at Colorado State since 1990. He has received numerous national and international honors for his work in meat science and was named one of the “25 Who Made a Difference” by Beef Magazine! In 1994 he was named one of six “Industry Innovators” by Meat Marketing and Technology magazine. Dr. Smith will speak in both the Beef and Sheep section and will address current issues critical to producers.

Other beef section speakers include Dr. Dee Cross of Clemson University. Dr. Cross will talk about recent work he has done to improve cattle performance on fescue pastures. 

He will also speak in the Horse Section where he will address the important issue of foaling problems with mares pastured on fescue. Jim Gerrish, now a private consultant from Idaho, will speak on Fall vs. Spring calving – Is it Time to Change? Dr. Dan Loy, cattle feeding specialist from Iowa State University will talk about feeding-out cattle in Missouri and the Midwest. Kit Pharo, Colorado cattle producer will also give two talks – one on” Cattle Ranching Made Profitable” and the other on “Producing Cattle that Fit Your Environment”. The goal of the Pharo Cattle Company is simply two fold:  to increase production without increasing expenses as well as doing whatever can be done to reduce expenses without reducing production.

The Missouri Livestock Symposium also features Internationally known speakers on horses, forage production, sheep, meat goats, the environment, stock dogs, and more. The entire program can be viewed on the web at http://missourilivestock.com.

Doors to the Missouri Livestock Symposium open at 4 pm on Friday, December 5^th.  A free, beef supper is served at 6 pm and then a program featuring the well-known host of Ag Day, Al Pell, and a program on “Women’s Contributions to the Livestock Industry” by Sheri Spader, Past President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, follows.

The Missouri Livestock Symposium opens it’s doors at 8 am on Saturday, December 6^th and concludes with country music star, John Conlee, performing at 8 pm. Tickets for the John Conlee Show are $10 each and can be purchased after October 15^th by calling 660-665-9866. All other activities and programs associated with the Missouri Livestock Symposium are free, including a Governor’s Style luncheon on Saturday at 11:30 am.  A trade show is also available free of charge and is open Friday from 4 until 10 pm and Saturday from 8 am. until 8 pm. For additional information on the Missouri Livestock Symposium see the website or call 660-665-9866 (Bruce Lane) or 660-665-7049 (Garry Mathes).

The Missouri Livestock Symposium is held at the Kirksville Middle School at 1515  S. Cottage Grove, Kirksville, Missouri.

FROM: Bruce Lane, University Outreach & Extension Livestock Specialist

Sheep & Meat Goats Featured at 2003 
Missouri Livestock Symposium, December 5-6 in Kirksville, Missouri

An outstanding program for sheep and meat goat producers, and those thinking about starting these enterprises, will be held as part of the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium in Kirksville, Missouri.  There are also top-rate programs scheduled for beef cattle and horse producers and those interested in forages, the environment, gardening, agricultural opportunities in Brazil, stock dogs, and much, much more.

The Sheep Section of the Symposium features nationally and internationally known speakers. While sheep numbers continue to decline in the USA they are on the rise in Mexico. Dr. Javier Lara of Queretaro, Mexico will talk on sheep production in Mexico and also what he has learned about sheep production from his travels worldwide. This will be a great opportunity to learn first-hand from someone who has traveled the globe observing and studying sheep production systems and sheep genetics. Dr. Woody Lane, a sheep consultant, from Oregon, who is widely published in trade magazines, will give two talks in the Sheep Section. These talks will be quite informative and will be geared to managerial issues affecting profitability. Dr. Lane is recognized nationally for his work with everyday producers and will share some of his expertise with Symposium attendees.  Mr. Guy Flora, President of the American Sheep Industry Association, will be on hand to talk about what the future holds for the sheep industry and sheep producers. Guy Flora is also the editor of the popular Shepard Magazine. Pre-eminent meat scientist, Dr. Gary Smith, Colorado State University, will talk about lamb as a segment of the red meat industry and what producers should expect in the future.

The Missouri Livestock Symposium also features outstanding speakers in the Forages Section that will also be of interest to sheep and meat goat producers. Dr. Fred Provenza of Utah State University, Jim Gerrish of Idaho, and Rob Kallenbach of the University of Missouri will all discuss pasture related topics of benefit to all livestock producers. All three are known for their cutting-edge work with producers nationally and internationally.

The meat goat producers, and potential meat goat producers, will hear from Dr. Elizabeth Walker of Southwest Missouri State University. With the meat goat population on the rise, Dr. Walker will provide important tips on management and recent research that will be helpful to those raising meat goats or considering adding them as an enterprise.

The Missouri Livestock Symposium opens its doors at 4 pm on Friday, December 5^th.  At 6 pm there will be a free beef supper. At 7 pm there will be two keynote addresses. “Celebrating Women’s Contributions to the Livestock Industry”, presented by Sheri Spader, Past President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. Dr. Harlan Hughes of Wyoming will talk about “What You Need to Know About Cattle Cycles”. Then, the popular anchor from TV’s Ag Day, Al Pell, will entertain the crowd concluding Friday night’s program and, he will also be on hand to meet and greet folks on Saturday, December 6^th.

The trade show is free and will be open from 4 until 10 pm on Friday, December 5^th and from 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday, December 6^th. Approximately 70 booths will be a part of this year’s trade show representing most segments of the industry.

Doors to the Saturday program open at 8 am with educational programs beginning at 9 am. There is no pre-registration nor is there any registration cost.

A free Governor’s Style Luncheon, sponsored by various Missouri commodity groups and co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, will be held from 11:30 am to 1 pm.

The 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium will also feature county music star John Conlee who performs at 8 pm on Saturday night. Tickets to the John Conlee Show are $10 each, non-refundable, and go on sale October 15^th. For ticket information call 660-665-9866.

Complete program information and other details related to the December 5^th & 6^th Missouri Livestock Symposium can be accessed on the world-wide-web at http://missourilivestock.com or by calling Bruce Lane at 660-665-9866 or Garry Mathes, Symposium Chair at 660-665-7049.

2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium Set for December 5-6

The 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium promises to be bigger and better in 2003 according to Symposium Committee Chair, Garry Mathes of Greentop, Missouri. Mathes says "the committee has worked long hours to put together this year’s program and that anyone interested in livestock production or in general agriculture should find this event both enjoyable and informative."

The Missouri Livestock Symposium will open its doors at 4 pm on Friday, December 5^th at the Kirksville Middle School located at 1515 S. Cottage Grove, Kirksville, Missouri. The trade show will be open at 4 pm and run until about 10 pm. There will also be a free beef supper provided at 6 pm. At 7 pm "Symposium goers" will be treated to a great speaker line-up following the beef supper. Up first will be Sheri Spader, Past-President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, who will highlight and celebrate "Women’s Contributions to the Livestock Industry". Following Spader, Internationally known livestock economist, Dr. Harlan Hughes, Wyoming, will talk about what cattle producers need to know about "Cattle Cycles". Also on the evening program is AG Day’s award winning anchor, Al Pell. Al Pell is being sponsored by KTVO TV3 of Kirksville/Ottumwa. Additionally, invited to speak on Friday evening has been Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman.

A new attraction at this years 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium will be the University of Missouri Mule Team. Learn more about the mule and its important contributions to Missouri and the country. Mule rides will be provided free.

On Saturday doors open at 8 am. The trade show will be open until 8 pm. The educational program featuring speakers from 10 states and Mexico begins at 10 am with concurrent programs running until 4 pm. A free, Governor’s Style Luncheon co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and Missouri Commodity groups will be featured at noon. Educational programs on current issues and topics will be available on horses, beef cattle, sheep, meat goats, forages, environmental issues, stock dogs, gardening, and more. A complete program lineup and other detailed information about the program can be found on the world-wide-web at http://missourilivestock.com

The 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium will conclude Saturday evening when country music entertainer John Conlee performs at 8 pm. According to Mathes, there are no costs to attend the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium except for the Saturday night concert. Concert tickets are non-refundable and are $10 each. Tickets go on sale October 15 and can be purchased by calling 660-665-9866 or by e-mailing the Missouri Livestock Symposium at millerva@missouri.edu and by putting the words "MLS Ticket Information" in the subject line.

Inquiries regarding the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium in general or about trade show space specifically can be made by calling Bruce Lane at 660-665-9866 (e-mail: lanen@missouri.edu) or Garry Mathes at 660-665-7049.

Al Pell is Ag Day’s award-winning anchor, combining careers as a working farmer and farm broadcaster. He still owns the house where he, his father and grandfather were born. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in agriculture and has been honored with the USDA Superior Service Award for innovative programming. Al still does an early morning daily radio show and was featured on National Public Radio in a series dealing with the farm bill debate. He has traveled to 18 foreign countries on assignments for Ag Day and has been on farms in 41 of the 50 states. Al Pell has interviewed two presidents, a vice-president, and nine Secretaries of Agriculture but likes to think of himself as a "plain ole Indiana Country boy". On Friday evening, December 5, 2003 in Kirksville, Missouri, as part of the Missouri Livestock Symposium, December 5th and 6th, Al Pell will be one of the Symposium’s featured speakers.

The Missouri Livestock Symposium also will feature speakers from 10 states and Mexico addressing topics and issues related to horses, beef cattle, forages, sheep, meat goats, stock dogs, the environment, and much, much more. Detailed information about the Symposium can be obtained on the web at http://missourilivestock.com, or by calling Bruce Lane at 660-665-9866 or Garry Mathes at 660-665-7049. Last year’s program drew interested producers from 8 states and throughout Missouri. The Symposium is held at Kirksville Middle School, 1515 S. Cottage Grove, Kirksville, Missouri.

Country Music Star John Conlee Highlights
Entertainment at 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium

Grand Ole Opry and country music star John Conlee will perform at 8 pm, December 6^th at the conclusion of the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium. The Missouri Livestock Symposium, which drew folks from 8 states and 60 of Missouri’s counties last year, is scheduled for December 5^th and 6^th at the Kirksville Middle School in Kirksville, Missouri. The 2003 program details can be found on the web at http://missourilivestock.com, or by calling Bruce Lane at 660-665-9866 or Garry Mathes at 660-665-7049. The Symposium features free meals, no registration costs, free trade show, and Internationally known educational speakers from 10 states and Mexico on horses, beef cattle, sheep, meat goats, forages, stock dogs, the environment and much, much more.

John Conlee has devoted his career to singing songs for and about common people. He says he’s a champion for those who seem forgotten by politicians – the ordinary, hard-working people. In essence, he is a lot like the songs of which he sings.

Born and raised in Kentucky farm country, John Conlee grew up plowing fields, slopping hogs, harvesting grain, raising tobacco, and tending cattle. Overall, John Conlee has had 29 single releases throughout the years with 26 of them charting in the top 20 or better. Eight of those 26 have reached the coveted number 1 spot on the national country charts.

John Conlee and his "Rose Colored Glasses" will cap-off the 2003 Missouri Livestock Symposium Saturday night at 8 pm. Tickets are $10 each, non-refundable, and go on sale October 15, 2003. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 660-665-9866 or by e-mailing the Missouri Livestock Symposium at millerva@missouri.edu and putting the words "MLS Ticket Information" in the subject line.

2004 Northeast Missouri Livestock Person of the Year

The Missouri Livestock Symposium would like to announce the Northeast Missouri Livestock Person of the Year. This new award is designed to recognize individuals that have made a significant and lasting contribution to the livestock industry in Northeast Missouri. Recipients may be producers, agribusiness personnel, agency personnel, agricultural educators, researchers, or strong supporters of the animal industry in Northeast Missouri.

Eligible applicants must be current or former residents of Northeast Missouri in one of the following counties: Adair, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Linn, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Putnam, Randolph, Ralls, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, or Sullivan. The award may be given posthumously.

The recipient will be recognized on Friday evening at the Missouri Livestock Symposium with a plaque and the unveiling of an oil portrait of the recipient. The portrait will be displayed throughout the year and annually at the Symposium.

If any group or individual would like to nominate someone for this award, contact your local Extension office, Kevin Stith at 660-327-4158, or Bruce Lane at 660-665-9866. Nominations are due no later than August 1, 2004. 
Files to download, print and send in:
Northeast Missouri Livestock Person of the Year - Application in Adobe/PDF  Get Adobe Reader® here.
Northeast Missouri Livestock Person of the Year - Application in Word

University Outreach and Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.

Missouri Livestock Symposium 2002 Successful

Livestock Symposium Attacts more than 1200 Producers,
Missouri Commercial Ag News, AgEBB