The 43rd annual event is Feb. 21 at the Monett National Guard Armory. The supper will even have a youthful focus as it will be prepared and served by the Miller FFA. The chapter’s food program is known as Cardinal Pride.
The educational conference kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with trade show browsing. Twenty to 25 beef and farming exhibits will be set up for cattle producers to look at prior to the conference starting at 4 p.m.
Leading off the program will be Stan Lock, Republic with Genex Cooperative, Inc. He will discuss cattle handling facilities that reduce stress – like the Bud Box and the breeding barn – along with several tips on working cattle smarter and quieter.
Corbitt Wall with the USDA Ag Grading Service in St. Joseph will familiarize the audience with the cattle grade standards and their relation to the market.
Kaity Holtman, director of communications with the Missouri Beef Industry Council, Columbia will enlighten conference attendees with her discussion on the subject of how social networks impact the cattle business.
Prior to supper, Lonnie Duckworth of Butler, president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, will give a report on the current hot-button issues at the MCA.
Following the meal, a panel will address the topic of “Getting Started in the Beef Business.” Panel members are: Joe Horner, extension beef/dairy economist for University of Missouri Commercial Ag program, Columbia; Ron Keith, area farm loan specialist, Farm Service Agency, Springfield; and Scott Hill, a young beef cow-calf producer, Miller.
Concluding the event will be Dr. Scott Brown, livestock marketing specialist for University of Missouri Extension, Columbia. Brown will forecast what lays ahead for the industry following a depletion of the nation’s cow herd due to weather and economic conditions.
The conference should be a “must attend” activity for persons involved in the beef industry in southwest Missouri. It is planned to have ample time for questions from the audience.
The Monett Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association sponsor this event with assistance from trade show exhibitors and University of Missouri Extension.
Those planning to attend should notify the Lawrence County Extension Center at 417-466-3102 of the number attending by Feb. 13 to assist in meal planning. There is a $5 per person registration fee payable at the door. Those wishing to have a trade show exhibit may call the Monett Chamber of Commerce at (417) 235-7919. 
—University of Missouri Extension newsletter, SW region, January 27, 2012
