Conference Highlights New Market Realities
CANADA - The 2009 Capturing Feed Grain and Forage Opportunities Conference takes place on 9th and 10th December, and aims to help producers cope with changes in the livestock industry.
17 November 2009
2 minute read
This past year has been like a rollercoaster; each month seemed to bring with it a new twist or turn, up or down for the livestock industry. Whether it was the impact of the economic recession on meat consumption, Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) on livestock exports to the United States, or dry conditions on forage production, producers and other industry stakeholders have experienced quite the ride. The conference runs December 9 and 10, 2009, at the Red Deer Lodge in Red Deer, Alberta.
Day one of the conference focuses on livestock markets and marketing options available to producers. Anne Dunford, with the Gateway Livestock Exchange, will start the conference off with an in-depth look at the current situation in the beef industry and where the market may be heading next year. Consumer meat purchasing trends will also be highlighted. Brent McEwan, with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, will cover the current status of livestock traceability in Alberta and where is it going.
Gordon Cove, the CEO of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) will kick-off the afternoon session and will be followed by a presentation highlighting the Growing Forward programmes available to producers. The remainder of the afternoon will be filled with presentations on the marketing options available to livestock producers. Christoph Weder will discuss branded beef and how Prairie Heritage Beef got its start, while the Northwest Consolidate Beef Producers Ltd. will explain the ins and outs of consolidated marketing. The end of the day brings with it a catered mixer in the tradeshow, where producers and industry representatives will be able to discuss what they have learned.
Brenda Schoepp with Beeflink begins the second day with a look at the management practices used by three ranches in Alberta and what they do to stay viable. Sean McGrath, with Creo Episteme Ltd., will give producers ideas on how to manage for carcase quality on their operations. Opportunities in the carbon offset market will be explored and Dr. John Basarab, ARD, will look at ways to add value to your calves through feed management. Finally, Morris Seiferling, Land Use Secretariat, will give an overview of the newly implemented Land-use Framework and the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.
Be sure to register today to ensure your spot! For registration, or more information, contact the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276), the Chinook Applied Research Association at (403)664-3777, or the “Coming Events” section on Alberta Agriculture and Rural Developments’ Ropin’ the Web (www.agriculture.alberta.ca).
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