ELIZABETH, Ill. — To learn how to make a beef herd more profitable, join the University of Illinois extension and the Beef Assoc. of Jo Davies County on Sept. 18 in Elizabeth.

The discussion, to include lunch, will feature beef specialist Denise Schwab from Iowa State University discussing “Adding Value (and Profit) to the Cow Herd.” Jake Guenzler of Profit Point Consulting will present “Feeding Strategies” and Dr. Robert Melcher of Stackton Blackhawk Vet Clinic will talk about vaccination programs.

The fourth speaker will be Travis Meeter, a beef educator from the U of I, with “Calves Are a Cattlemen’s Paycheck: How to Get a raise.” He shared a few details about his presentation.

“I plan to discuss strategies to increase calf value and limit input costs,” he said. “Some strategies will be as simple as adding payweight. Different technologies, feed rations and management schemes can improve weight of calves at sale time. 

I will point out the advantages of crossbreeding, as well as advantages of straight-bred calves. The differences come in marketing systems.”

The presentation will talk about what is happening in today’s beef market. “Also, I plan to point out the current industry dynamic,” Meeter said. “The current supply-and-demand picture looks very favorable to the cow-calf producer.

“Overcapacity in the feedlot sector and record low supply in calves have price potential very high. However, feed costs are incredibly high, and capping our feeder calf prices. We will talk about options producers have to make the best of this scenario.”

Heifer development is also part of Meeter’s focus. “I will discuss the importance heifer development holds to the sustainability and longevity of a cowherd,” he said. “Heifers are the future of a cowherd. It is more important now than ever to understand how to properly develop heifers.”

Last of all, he will cover the dry days of the summer of 2012: “I will also comment on how drought conditions play into these decisions.”

Registration for the Beef Roundtable Discussion begins at 9:30 a.m., with the first speaker starting at 10. 

Refreshments and lunch will be available, along with the presentations, for $10. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 5. Those interested in attending can call 815-858-2273 or go online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw