UPI Customer Event Educates Beef Industry Affiliates
A complimentary luncheon opened the event, followed by a special presentation on: Stockmanship & Stewardship. Speakers used cattle to illustrate proven stockmanship methods and techniques that benefit everyday livestock work. Renowned Montana horseman, rancher and stockmanship instructor, Curt Pate, was joined by lifelong cattleman Dr. Ron Gill. Gill is a Texas A&M Livestock Specialist and cattle handling expert. Third team member included Texas ranch cowboy, Todd McCartney, a seasoned presenter on beef industry topics and RFD-TV host.
The presenters discussed various options for improved gathering, penning, chute work, loading and hauling. Emphasis was placed on ways to increase cattle performance by reducing handling stress. They also discussed Beef Industry Stewardship, showcasing how cattlemen can shape consumer’s perception of beef. Other topics included the economic, personal and industry benefits offered by the strategies presented.
A guest speaker from the Indiana Board of Animal Health also discussed the importance of premise identification and the success this program has had with livestock producers in the state.
The Stockmanship and Stewardship seminar series is appearing in numerous states across the country, compliments of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, in an effort to improve beef quality and increase consumer demand. UPI hosted the program at other facility locations, including Goreville, IL; St. Louis, MI; Bucyrus, OH; and Paris, KY. The final Stockmanship and Stewardship program at a UPI facility will take place on Thursday, September 18 in Maryville, MO.