Sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health

An underline denotes an active link; click on the college class number for highlights of the session.

Note: All sessions are at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m., Room 217 C/D
MA 101: Cattle Transportation
The Quality Assurance (QA) program has a new initiative — Beef Transportation QA Training. Learn from industry leaders about practical handling and transportation techniques to help reduce carcass quality problems. Speakers: Dell King, King Livestock; and Tim O’Bryne, Calico Cattle Consulting.

7:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Room 206 A/B
MA 102: Global Meat & Grain Trade — How Does the U.S. Stack Up?
Why is trade so important to the U.S. beef market? Who are the main competitors today, and who will it be in the future? Cattle-Fax will present information on the global protein and grain arena and analyze the economic effect global trade has on U.S. beef producers. Speakers: Randy Blach, Duane Lenz, Dave Weaber, Mike Miller and Bill Chandler, all from Cattle-Fax.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Room 206 A/B
MA 103: Marketing Your Way to Profitability, Part II
You have had a chance to learn the basics of hedging and options at past colleges or through workshops in your state. Learn more about advanced strategies using these risk-management tools. Speaker: Errol Baxter, Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Room 213 A/B
MA 104: Consumer Focus Panel
Beef demand is back. Why does demand continue to increase? An industry panel discusses what has drawn consumers to beef and its effect on your bottom line. Speakers: Gary Smith, Colorado State University; Twig Marston, Kansas State University; and Tim Schiefelbein, Swift & Co.

7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m., Room 214 B
PR 101: Reproductive Herd Health
Hear from leading experts about health programs to ensure your herd’s reproductive efficiency. Speakers: Glenn Rogers, Pfizer Animal Health; and Tom Hairgrove, Haskell Vet Clinic.

7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m., Room 217 A/B
PR 102: Animal ID — Making it Work in the Real World
Learn from folks who are already implementing identification (ID) systems and consider options for your operation. Speakers: Allen Bright, Bright Cattle Co.; Jim Akers, University of Kentucky; and Rick Stott, Agri Beef Co.

9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., 214 C/D
PR 103: Heterosis — The Forgotten Tool
Do you need this tool for your cow herd? Learn from experts how systematic crossbreeding can affect your herd’s performance. Speakers: Tom Field, Colorado State University; and Andy Herring, Texas A&M University.

9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Room 214 B
PR 104: Mineral Nutrition
Minerals are an important part of herd performance and health. Learn how to efficiently and economically provide this nutritional factor for your herd. Speakers: John Paterson, Montana State University; and Terry Engle, Colorado State University.

9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Room 205
PR 105: Calf Health from Birth to Branding
Learn from industry experts how to keep your calves healthy and performing during the early stage of the production cycle. Speakers: Rob Callan, Colorado State University; and Mike Lathrop, Pfizer Animal Health.

9:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Room 217 C/D
PR 106: Low-Stress Handling
Come learn the “Bud Williams Way” of cattle handling. Speakers: Tom Noffsinger, Twin Forks Clinic Inc.; Lynn Locatelli, Twin Forks Clinic Inc.; and Patsy Houghton, Heartland Cattle Co., Moderator

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Room 214 B
PR 107: Replacement Heifer Management
Looking at the expansion phase of the cattle cycle and herd rebuilding in previously drought-stricken areas, the question becomes, “Do you develop your own replacements or purchase them?” Speakers: Dale Grotelueschen, Pfizer Animal Health; and Tom Woodward, Broseco Ranch.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Room 214 C/D
PR 108: Latest in AI Technology
Learn about the latest synchronization programs and new technologies for using AI in your herd. Speaker: David Patterson, University of Missouri.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Room 205
PR 109: Stocker Cattle Management
Find out how health and management strategies can optimize performance and improve profitability of your stocker enterprise. Speakers: Bob Smith, Veterinary Research and Consulting Services LLC; and Dave Lalman, Oklahoma State University.

7:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Room 214 A
RM 101: QuickBooks for Farm and Ranch
Texas A&M experts lead the discussion on how to use this system for your financial records with a managerial accounting emphasis. Bring your questions for these experts. Speakers: Stan Bevers, Texas A&M University; and Brenda Duckworth, Texas A&M University.

7:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Room 207 A
RM 102: Putting Government Programs to Work for You
Hear NRCS and Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winners discuss what programs are available and how cattlemen have improved their natural resource base. Speakers: Carole Jett, Dennis Thompson, Ceci Dale-Cesmat, Katie Matthews, NRCS; Dave Petty, Iowa, ESAP Chair; and Stacey Katseanes, NCBA staff.

9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Room 217 A/B
RM 103: The Cost of Meeting Consumer Demand
Learn how new technologies affect the industry and your bottom line. Speaker: John Lawrence, Iowa State University.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Room 214 A
RM 104: Family Farm Transfer
Ron Hanson, University of Nebraska, is back again this year to round out his series on how to make the farm transfer smoother for all parties involved.

12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m., Ballroom C 2/3
Sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health
Back for an encore performance, James “Doc” Blakely, one of the top humorists in America, as well as an author and musician, will entertain listeners with clean humor and timely anecdotes. Doc helps audiences take a look at themselves and learn new ideas that foster communication, success and a positive outlook on life.

3 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Ballroom C1
Sponsored by Purina Mills LLC and Pfizer Animal Health
When will cattle and beef trade return to normal, and what are the long-term cost ramifications of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to the U.S. beef industry? How will herd expansion affect production levels during the next five years? Can beef demand growth be sustained with record-high wholesale and retail beef prices? Where are cattle prices headed from here? Cattle-Fax staff will discuss and analyze these important topics while taking a look at a dynamic market environment for 2005 and beyond.