Education: August, 2004 August, 2004 Table of Contents

by Shan Ingram

It seems like the older I get, the faster time passes. More than half of this year is gone and it just doesn’t seem possible. The good news is that there are plenty of things on the horizon for 2004.

On Aug. 14, the Noble Foundation is co-hosting the Southern Plains Beef Symposium with Oklahoma Cooperative Extension. This is the 14th year for this event (another hard-to-believe time lapse). This year, the symposium is moving to the newly constructed Ardmore Convention Center. It will be one of the first events at this very nice facility. This year’s program concentrates on "Checking the Basics."

We have a strong lineup of speakers and panelists, as well as an expanded trade show and the traditional mouth-watering rib eye steak lunch. All of this for the same bargain price of $20 per person ($25 at the door). You will not want to miss the Southern Plains Beef Symposium. I think this is the best one-day cattle conference in America (or anywhere, for that matter). Join us on Aug. 14.

On Sept. 15, we are once again partnering with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association to offer beef producers the opportunity to learn about proper production techniques for beef. This all-day training session (Beef Quality Assurance) will be at the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center (just east of the Noble Foundation offices). The day begins with Level I training at 8 a.m. Level II training begins at 3 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about producing quality beef properly (see Beef Quality Assurance Programs Benefit Producers, Consumers for more information).

Then on Sept. 25, we are hosting the White-Tailed Deer Seminar. The day will begin with registration at 8:15 a.m. at the Pontotoc Technology Center in Ada, Okla. We will move to the Noble Foundation Wildlife Unit in mid-afternoon for the outdoor segments of the program. To see the complete agenda and get more details, please read Mike Porter's article. If you have an interest in white-tailed deer management, you will want to make this field day.

Our final two public events for the year are planned in October. On the 12th, we will be having the Hoop House Seminar. The seminar will begin in the Foundation’s Kruse Auditorium and will conclude with a tour of some of the Foundation’s hoop houses. This seminar is designed to aid those interested in hoop house production, construction and design. Plan to join us from 6 to 9 p.m. Then, from Oct. 18 to 21, we are having the popular Grazing School. Come learn the basics of grazing management in a friendly atmosphere. This school is limited to the first 40 paid registrants (cost is $200 per person, plus attendees secure their own lodging). Don’t wait too long — it will fill up fast.

If you have questions, or I can be of help, give me a call. If you need to register for an event, call Melissa Castleman. You can reach either of us at (580) 223-5810. Thanks and hope to see you soon.