The Mid-South Stocker Conference is moving south for the first time in its 12-year history to Manchester on March 1 at the Manchester/Coffee County Conference Center at 147 Hospitality Boulevard, Manchester, just off Exit 114 on I-24.
A pre-conference tour for the first 35 registering for the tour will be Feb. 28 in Lynchburg, with the conference program March 1, at the Manchester/Coffee County Conference Center.
The objectives of the conference is to assist stocker operators in exploring ideas to produce efficient-performing healthy cattle and determining the role of stocker production in a rapidly evolving cattle industry and effectively meeting consumer expectations. These objectives are being accomplished through take-home information and carrying out educational programs that present innovative ideas that can be readily applied to individual operations.
This is an excellent opportunity for area producers involved in stocker production or may be thinking about the possibilities of including this practice into their existing operation. The conference will also provide a unique opportunity for producers to interact with other stocker operators from the Mid-South region and industry professionals. Animal health, equipment, nutrition, and marketing exhibits will be available in an up-to-date trade show.
An additional bonus to this year’s conference will be a pre-conference tour for the first 35 participants to register for the tour. The tour will meet at the Moore County Extension Office and depart from there in vans Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. Central. The tour will include, a visit to two stocker operations that feeds wet distillers grains from Jack Daniels, one feeding beef steers and another developing dairy heifers.
The pre-tour package will also include a tour of Jack Daniel’s Distillery and supper in Lynchburg. The cost for the pre-conference tour will be $50 per person which includes the Jack Daniels tour and meal. You must register for the day of the conference to be able to register for the tour. You can register for the conference without registering for the tour. You may register online at: http://bit.ly/STOCKER.
Restricted-Use Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification
Producers who need to renew their restricted-use pesticide certifications, there will be a recertification class on Monday, March 6, in the Magnolia Room of Warren County Administrative Offices beginning at 6 p.m. The recertification class will be about 45 minutes and cost $25. If you haven’t had a restricted-use pesticide card and need one, please call UT-TSU Extension Warren County at 473-8484 and we will set up an appointment for the initial certification class. More opportunities for recertification will be announced.
Considerations for Beginning Farmers
A new workshop offered by University of Tennessee Extension has been planned for those who dream of green acres. Co-sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Development and UT-Tennessee State University Extension, “Considerations for Beginning Farmers” will be offered to anyone interested in becoming a farm owner-operator.
The full-day workshop is designed for those with little or no farming background. Program topics include the language of agriculture, a self-assessment of goals, desires and commitment, basic crop and livestock needs, evaluating land suitability, equipment and tools, and potential risks. Registration is $25 per person which includes the program and lunch.
The workshop is scheduled for six dates and locations across the state, beginning Sept. 21 and running through July 2017. The next workshop is scheduled for March 28 at the White County Agriculture Complex (fairgrounds) with registration deadline March 20.
For more information contact UT–TSU Extension Warren County at 473-8484.
Contact: Heath Nokes, UT-TSU Extension Warren County, 473-8484, hnokes@utk.edu.
