Stockmanship and Stewardship Wrap-Up Becky Thompson Director, Kentucky Beef Network The Southeastern Stockmanship and Stewardship clinic was held in Bowling Green, Kentucky at the Western Kentucky University Arena October 22 &23rd. The Stockmanship and Stewardship clinic was hosted through regional partnerships with the Kentucky Beef Network, University of Kentucky, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, University of Tennessee, and Western Kentucky University. We hosted 75 people from KY, TN, IN, OH, VA, and MS for the two-day program targeting cow/calf producers and stocker operators. The planning hosts appreciate the support of our event partners MERCK Animal Health, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Beef Checkoff and would also like to thank Burkmann
Feeds and Priefert Manufacturing for their donation of panels and equipment during the Stockmanship and Stewardship event.
Steve Wooten discusses sustainability principles he uses on his Colorado Ranch.
Greg Osborn shows attendees beef’s role in the sales ad.
Several conference attendees and students from the University of Tennessee-Martin and were able to participate in the chute side demonstrations with the oversight of clinicians Dr. Dean Fish.
Dr. Ron Gill and Curt Pate discuss the importance of cattle and worker safety around a chute with the attendees.
Dr. Kenny Burdine from the University of Kentucky presented a Fall Market Outlook and some risk management considerations.
Kevin Thompson taught attendees about the importance of using hoof scoring techniques when evaluating their breeding stock.
40 • Cow Country • December
Attendees were welcomed by Kentucky Beef Network Chairman, Allen Bryant and participated in cattle handling demonstrations by Dr. Ron Gill, Curt Pate and Dr. Dean Fish where they were able to observe the clinicians moving yearling heifers and bulls throughout the panel setup, chute side demonstrations, UTV safety, along discussions on cattle dispositions and movement. Steve Wooten cattlemen from Colorado and recent winner of the NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award and President of the US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef discussed with participants the
importance of sustainability on their operations along with the sustainability goals for the USRSB. Greg Osborn retired Kroger Louisville Division Meat and Seafood Merchandiser discussed supply chain challenges and opportunities inside the grocery store and beef ’s role. On Saturday participants heard three breakout topics from Todd Rose, Rose Law firm “Fencing laws and liability”, Kevin Thompson from the University of Tennessee on how to “Utilize foot scoring in cattle” and Katelyn Hawkins with Beef Solutions discussing “Challenges Under the Hide: a BQA perspective”. At the conclusion of the breakout sessions attendees had the opportunity to attend a Beef Quality Assurance training to receive their BQA number.