October 24, 2017

Trade, market outlook presentations to kick-off  25^th Range Beef Cow Symposium

Biennial event will be Nov. 28-30 in Cheyenne

Greg Hanes with the U.S. Meat Export Federation and Jim Robb with the Livestock Marketing Information Center will kick-off the opening session of the upcoming Range Beef Cow Symposium to be held Nov. 28-30, 2017 at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyo. The popular event has been providing pertinent industry market and research information to cattle producers biennially since 1969 and is a joint effort coordinated by the Extension programs of South Dakota State University, Colorado State University, the University of Nebraska and University of Wyoming. 

Hanes will provide attendees with an update on international beef trade and the outlook ahead. With the rules for beef trade to China finalized this past June and trade agreements such as NAFTA being reviewed, this is a critical time for beef producers and industry organizations to be aware of international trade opportunities and challenges.

Offering insight into factors affecting livestock and feed grain prices – and where those prices may be headed in 2018, LMIC’s Robb will provide an overview of market data and influences.

Additionally, on Nov. 29, the second day of the conference, a Cattle-Fax analyst will share ideas with attendees for managing risk in the beef industry. And, Colorado-based meteorologist Brian Bledsoe will offer his weather outlook for the coming year. Bledsoe spoke at the symposium in 2015 and was a highlight speaker with his agricultural background and sage advice.

New to the symposium this year, on Thursday, Nov. 30, the concluding day of the event, hands-on sessions will be held at the Laramie County Community College indoor arena located in Cheyenne. Participants will have the opportunity to rotate to three different 45-minute sessions, selecting from topics including body condition scoring with ultrasound, frame scoring, reproduction and artificial insemination with ultrasound, and range monitoring sampling and analysis. The event will adjourn at noon.

Throughout the two-and-a-half day conference, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a variety of other speakers on topics ranging from genetic selection and drought management to generation transition and beef quality and consumer demand. As well, a trade show with nearly 80 industry vendors offers a venue for networking and learning about popular products available in the industry.  Evening bull pen sessions also afford the opportunity for attendees to engage and ask questions of the day’s presenters.  

Preregistration for the symposium is available online at www.rangebeefcow.com. Registration prior to Nov. 15 is available for $120/person or $60/student. After that date prices increase to $160 and $80 respectively. Single day registration passes are available for $50 and increase to $60 after Nov. 15. For individuals wanting to attend only the half-day, hands-on sessions on Nov. 30, registration is $35 prior to Nov. 15, and then increases to $60. Evening meal tickets for Nov. 28 and 29 are also offered for an additional fee.

For hotel accommodations, a “Range Beef Cow” block of rooms have been reserved until Oct. 27 at the Little America Hotel and Resort where the symposium will be held. Book online at http://cheyenne.littleamerica.com or call (800)445-6945.

* Press release provided by the Range Cow Beef Symposium