Southern Plains Beef Symposium Scheduled for August 12

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

Southern Plains Beef Symposium Scheduled for August 12

"Beef – Issues, Production and Value" is the theme of the day for the 16th annual Southern Plains Beef Symposium, an information-packed one-day cattle conference where expert speakers will cover a wide range of current topics, from herd management to international trade issues affecting the cattle industry. Set for August 12 at the Ardmore Convention Center in Ardmore, Okla., cattle producers are sure to get plenty of information to take home and put to work.

"If it's still this hot and dry in August and you need a break, want to learn something that could help your operation, enjoy visiting with friends and appreciate a good ribeye steak – you should plan on attending the 16th annual Southern Plains Beef Symposium," said Shan Ingram, education and special projects manager at the Noble Foundation. "Each year, we bring in great speakers who address timely topics so you can leave with information that will improve your operation. I think this may be the strongest program we have ever had!"

Speakers will include:

• Bob Whitson, dean of agriculture at Oklahoma State University will give his views related to issues facing beef producers.
• Connie Quinn, a rancher from Chadron, Neb., who is also a representative of Elanco Animal Health, will talk about management practices for success.
• Erica Rosa from the Livestock Marketing Information Center will give the market outlook and discuss international trade issues.
• Anne Anderson, who has a vast array of experiences from numerous segments and is currently a managing partner of AucMar Partners, will reflect on "Can I Produce What the Consumer Wants?"
• Bob Kropp from Oklahoma State University's Animal Science Department will give an overview of information/data inputs (EPDs, dollar values, source verification, etc.) available and will moderate the panel, which will close the day by reflecting on his comments and telling how these inputs affect their operations.

In addition to the top-notch information, attendees can enjoy a ribeye steak at lunch and visit the trade show featuring more than 35 vendors. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day and you can even get your boots shined.

The Southern Plains Beef Symposium is co-hosted by The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Thanks to the generous sponsors, advance registration is still only $20 ($25 at the door). For more information or to pre-register, call (580) 223-5810.

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News Release Issued: July 25, 2006

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.