Cow-calf producers across the state will gain valuable insight on overcoming challenges in the cattle business during the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences’ 2018 Beef Cattle Conference Aug. 18.

The conference will be at Ham Wilson Livestock Arena at 650 S. Donahue Drive in Auburn from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The conference will equip cattlemen and cattlewomen with knowledge and management tools to improve critical areas of production.

“Helping producers take advantage of innovations and practical concepts that will significantly improve their operations now and in the future is a key part of our departmental mission,” said Auburn animal sciences department head Wayne Green. “And our faculty, in partnership with Alabama’s beef cattle community, have organized this conference to support the viability and long-term sustainability of animal agriculture. Sustaining our livestock and animal industries is crucial, as they contribute substantially to the economy of the state and to the well-being of Alabama citizens.”

The conference will feature presentations by cattlewoman Lydia Yon of Yon Farms, a family-owned South Carolina farm dedicated to raising high-quality Angus, SimAngus and Ultrablack cattle; and nationally recognized animal handling expert Curt Pate.

Yon will discuss overcoming tough challenges in the cattle business, while Pate will cover how-tos of incorporating effective stockmanship principles into a ranch’s for-profit mindset and of increasing economic benefits through correct handling of livestock.

Animal sciences faculty will report results and updates on research supported by the College of Agriculture, the Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in the areas of cattle reproductive management, forage management and nutritional supplementation.

Afternoon workshops will focus on the use of advanced technologies to optimize reproductive success, preparation for calving season, the need for beginning farmers and ranchers to find niches and beef carcass cut-outs and evaluation.

Conference registration is $60 before Aug. 3 and $120 afterword. That includes a bound departmental report, conference presentation summaries, content for afternoon workshops and lunch. The registration fee will be waived for Alabama county cattlemen chapter presidents who register at least three of their paid members. Because space is limited, producers are encouraged to register early at https://aub.ie/beef.

For conference information, registration, corporate partnerships or youth discounts, contact the Department of Animal Sciences at 334-844-1521.