Oct. 6, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Matt Caldwell at 913-755-1105 or mcaldwell@angus.org

Kansas Hosts Series of Informational Beef Producer Meetings

A series of the informational meetings for cow-calf and feedlot operators will take place across Kansas this month, featuring timely information on nutrition, genetics, beef marketing and age and source verification.

“This will be a unique opportunity for producers to hear about some of the key developments and critical research that will be impacting the beef business in the years to come,” says Matt Caldwell, regional manager for American Angus Association^®. “We’ve lined up a top-flight group of speakers, who will be sharing information that no doubt will have a positive impact on Kansas cattlemen.”

“The beef business is changing at a rapid pace, and these sessions will make producers aware of opportunities in genetics, management and marketing that will help them optimize production in their operations,” states Sandra Utter, district sales manager for ABS Global.

The topics of discussion and speakers include:

Doug Frank, beef product manager for ABS Global, will share results of the Circle A Sire Alliance and the impacts on feed efficiency in cow-calf operations and feedlots.

Dr. Rick Funston, reproductive physiologist for the University of Nebraska, will discuss fetal programming research that demonstrates carcass quality and heifer fertility can be influenced while calves are in utero.

Bill Bowman, chief operating officer for American Angus Association, will discuss expected progeny differences (EPDs), bio-economic indexes and the promise of genomic-enhanced EPDs.

Brian Bertelsen of U.S. Premium Beef will update producers on Japan’s interest in age and source verification and provide insight into the future potential for export markets for U.S. beef.

The meetings are scheduled to take place on the following dates and at these locations:

• Monday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m., Oakley, Kan., Educational Service Center

• Tuesday, Oct. 27 at noon, Great Bend, Kan., Highland Convention Center

• Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m., Emporia, Kan., Lyon County Fairgrounds, Anderson building

A free beef dinner will be served to all attendees. Producers are encouraged to RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 21, regarding which meeting they plan to attend. RSVP by contacting Sandra Utter of ABS Global at 620-672-1881 or sutter@absglobal.com; or Matt Caldwell, American Angus Association, 913-755-1105 or mcaldwell@angus.org.

The meetings are hosted by American Angus Association, ABS Global, Cattlemen’s Choice Loomix, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, Pfizer Animal Health and local vet clinics.

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