COLUMBUS, Ohio — Producers interested in learning more about increasing cattle profits, crossbreeding programs, genetic bases or simply how to remain competitive in a stressed market can participate in a discussion of these issues and more during the Ohio Beef Cattle School.

The school will take place Feb. 26 and March 19 at several locations statewide, beginning at 7 p.m.

“Dynamic forces are constantly shaping the beef industry’s landscape and successful producers need to stay abreast to remain competitive,” said John Grimes, Ohio State University extension beef coordinator. “The program will address some of the most important issues currently facing Ohio’s beef industry.”

The Feb. 26 program will focus on the topic Squeezing Every Dollar out of Forage Production. Rory Lewandowski and Chris Penrose, extension educators for agriculture and natural resources in Wayne and Morgan counties, respectively, will be the speakers that evening. They will address extending the grazing season, hay production, weed control and drought recovery.

The final installment of the school will be March 19 and will focus on “Enterprises to Remain Competitive in the Beef Industry.” Grimes, Jeff McCutcheon, extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Morrow County, and a variety of producers will present options such as backgrounding, stockering, targeting branded programs, raising replacement heifers and raising embryo calves as unique marketing options.

“The information presented during Beef Cattle School addresses some of the more pressing issues facing cow-calf producers today, and is imperative for cattle producers who want to better prepare themselves for a profitable involvement in the beef industry,” Grimes said. “The information is especially relevant this year for producers looking to mitigate drought-related losses.”

Those who can’t attend the events at the host locations may participate in the school via Internet. Email Grimes at grimes.1@osu.edu to register or for more information. There is a $25 fee for the Internet link, which will be forwarded upon receipt of your payment and email address.

Participants can send their name, mailing address, email address and check payable to The Ohio State University to: John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator, 1864 Shyville Rd., Piketon, OH 45661.

Host site locations by county include Adams-Brown-Highland, North Adams High School in Seaman; Coshocton County extension office in Coshocton; Crawford County Courthouse in Bucyrus; Shelby County Ag Center in Sidney; Fairfield County extension office in Lancaster; Fayette County Agricultural Service Center in Washington Court House; Gallia Academy High School in Gallipolis; Holmes County extension office in Millersburg;

Huron County Administration Building in Norwalk; Licking County’s Claylick Run Farm in Newark; Mahoning County extension office in Canfield; Morgan County extension office in McConnelsville; Morrow County extension office in Mt. Gilead; Muskingum County extension office in Zanesville; Stark County, USDA Service Center in Massillon; Wayne County Administration Building in Wooster; and Williams County extension office in Bryan.