April 15, 2009

Purdue Beef Unit to host first Showcase and Production Sale

The educational showcase will feature a tour led by members of the Purdue Beef Team and will begin at 9:30 a.m.

"During the tour, beef producers will learn about research conducted at the unit and how it is applicable to their farm," said Allen Bridges, Purdue Extension reproductive physiologist.

Topics to be discussed and speakers include:

* "Utilization of Co-products," Matt Claeys, Purdue Extension beef cattle specialist.

* "How to Store Co-products by Ensiling," Patrick Gunn, Purdue doctorate student.

* "Reducing the Hay Requirements of Your Cow Herd," Ron Lemenager, Purdue Extension beef nutrition specialist.

* "Using Estrous Synchronization and Artificial Insemination to Your Advantage," Bridges.

The showcase is followed by the production sale of 50 cow/calf pairs at 2 p.m.

"The calves are out of some of the best sires in the industry and these pairs would make a great addition to any herd," Bridges said.

No fee or registration is required to attend. Lunch will be available at the Beck Agricultural Center, along with industry booths.

Purdue’s Block and Bridle Club worked to coordinate the Beef Unit Showcase and Production Sale.

"This event really serves two purposes," Bridges said. "It gives students interested in learning how to put on a sale the opportunity to organize one, and it gives our Extension team an opportunity to show producers the research we've been working on.

"The Block and Bridle Club members will be the ones getting the show ring ready and getting the animals ready.  They also have been responsible for all of the advertising and promotion of the event."

Jacob Smoker, a junior from Wanatah, Ind., and Clint Shireman, a sophomore also from Wanatah, are co-chairs of the event. Smoker is double majoring in horticulture production marketing and agricultural economics, while Shireman is studying animal science.

"I've helped with sales before, but never taken on the responsibility of taking one from beginning to end," Smoker said. "So far, it's been a positive learning experience. The most challenging part is staying organized and communication, making sure all the different committees are on the same page."

Smoker said that the club has approximately 100 members and everyone has played a role in organizing the event.

"It's amazing how much the club has pulled together to make this possible," he said. "Before it's over, everyone will have had a chance to use their talent, whether it's arranging flowers to sit on the auction podium or grooming animals for the ring."

For more information, contact Bridges at 765-494-4810.

Writer: Julie Douglas, 765-496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Sources: Allen Bridges, 765-494-4810, allenbridges@purdue.edu

Jacob Smoker, jsmoker@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

To the News Service home page