Â??the Optimal Beef Cow: Does She Exist?’ Topic of Annual Nick Petry Workshop Nov. 30

Methods and factors that define top beef cow operations will be the theme for the eighth annual Nick Petry Workshop, titled "The Optimal Beef Cow: Does She Exist?" on Nov. 30 at the stadium arena at the National Western Stock Show Complex in Denver. The workshop is co-sponsored by Colorado State University’s Western Center for Integrated Resource Management and the National Western Scholarship Trust.

The daylong program will feature nationally known experts in beef cow production. Professor Don Adams of the University of Nebraska will speak on "Defining the Production Environment for Beef Cattle." Adams is part of Nebraska’s West Central Research and Extension Center. "Land Health, Production and Biological Traits of Beef Cattle" will be examined during a presentation led by Robbie Baird LeValley, a livestock extension specialist with Colorado State University Extension.

During the workshop, participants also will gain first-hand knowledge from cattle ranchers themselves. Kit Pharo of Pharo Cattle Company in Colorado will examine beef genetics and production practices during his presentation titled "Selection of Cows that Work for You." John Welch, general manager of the Spade Ranches in Texas, will explain how to "Build a Beef Cow." The Spade Ranches are two of the largest and oldest ranches in Texas.

The workshop also will cover the beef industry internationally. There will be a presentation on an "International Perspective of Beef Genetics in Emerging Markets." Additionally, Troy Marshall, editor of "The Seedstock Digest," will discuss current trends in seed stock production. The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion involving the speakers plus invited participants Scott Johnson of the Flying Diamond Ranch in Colorado, Manny Monseratte of the Y Cross Ranch in Wyoming, John Raptoupolus of the Raptoupolus Ranch in Colorado, and Sarah Shields of the San Isabel Ranch in Colorado.

Registration for the Nick Petry Workshop is free and lunch will be provided. To RSVP for the program, visit the WCIRM Web site at http://www.wcirm.colostate.edu/.

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