The focus of the Beef Conference this year will be: Making the Most of New Opportunities. 2012 promises to be a very interesting year in the cattle business. Cattle producers should get the highest prices they have ever received when they market their cattle this year. Because of increased costs, however, they will also have the greatest risk because of the investment in those cattle. For these reasons Dr. Walt Prevatt, Auburn University Livestock Economist, was chosen to be the keynote speaker. He will provide a cattle market outlook for 2012 and beyond, and also share ideas for managing cow costs. Kevan Tucker, Clarke County Alabama Extension Coordinator, will share ideas on how to capitalize on these higher market prices. Nicholas DiLorenzo, University of Florida Beef Nutrition Specialist, will discuss nutrition management, and Doug Mayo, Jackson County Extension Director, will share ideas on how to increase herd performance, to help ranchers improve the efficiency of their operations.

The Beef Conference also features a Trade Show of businesses that offer goods and services to cattle producers in the region. Time will be provided to visit with the company representatives to learn about new products and suggestions they have for beef cattle operations.

For more information on the Beef Conference, contact Doug Mayo, at 850-482-9620, or on the Internet: http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu.