UPI Hosts Industry Leadership Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2008
United Producers, Inc. (UPI), a leading livestock marketing and finance cooperative, hosted an industry leadership forum on September 15 in Lexington, KY. The invitational forum included representatives from Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky. Attendees also included the UPI Board of Directors and management.
Dennis Bolling, UPI President and CEO, opened the forum noting the purpose was to share insight on the future of animal agriculture in the state. UPI also used this as a listening session for input on what producers need in the way of services and programs.
A panel of key leaders included Dr. Jimmy Henning, Associate Dean for Extension at University of Kentucky; Dr. Robert Stout, Kentucky Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian; and Dave Maples, Executive Vice President of Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Each speaker gave their professional insight about the livestock business in Kentucky and then opened the program to questions from the floor.
The evening program was highlighted by remarks from Mr. Joe Megert of the Irsik & Doll Feed Yards in Kansas. Mr. Megert shared his thoughts on the cattle industry and what feedlots are looking for in feeder cattle. He emphasized the Certified Pre-Conditioned for Health (CPH) program and its positive impact on cattle business for Kentucky and feedlot operations.
UPI is a multi-state livestock marketing and finance cooperative with three major operations in Kentucky. Weekly auctions are located in Paris, Owenton and Irvington. Other direct cattle services are offered by key staff in the region.
Annually, UPI markets approximately three million head of livestock, offers loans to farmers for livestock and other operating expenses, in addition to various risk management services. As a cooperative, UPI is owned by over 45,000 members in several states, including Kentucky, and is governed by a 16-member, farmer board of directors.