Cattle Training Event well attended at UPI Maryville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2008
Right: Dr. Ron Gill walks through the Maryville yards with UPI employees to better understand sale day flow at the facility.
A complimentary meal 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.
Mark Wellman of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) encouraged producers to register their premises and join the NCBA if they were not members already. Mike Bumgarner, UPI Vice President of Marketing Services, also updated attendees on Country of Origin labeling requirements and how they can affect the producer.
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; Paris, KY; and Little York, IN.