Nebraska Extension will host a Winter Stocker Tour on Jan. 21 near Imperial, offering producers an in-depth look at stocker and yearling management strategies that leverage Nebraska’s forage resources, technology and market position. An alternate date of Jan. 28 is planned in case of inclement weather.
The tour will feature Maddux Cattle Company, where participants will visit cow-calf pairs grazing cornstalks outside of Imperial and learn about late weaning calves on stalks as part of an integrated stocker and yearling program.
“This tour is a great opportunity to bring stocker operators together to learn from one another while also hearing about the latest research on stocker systems in Nebraska,” said Erin Laborie, livestock systems extension educator.
“Producers will be able to see real-world applications in the field and connect with peers and Extension specialists around management strategies that can improve efficiency and profitability.”
Registration will run from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Mountain Time, followed by morning presentations from Nebraska Extension specialists and producer speakers. Lunch will be served at noon, with the on-site tour taking place in the afternoon.
The meeting will be held at Crossroads Wesleyan Church, 220 W. 17th St. in Imperial.
Educational sessions will focus on management and market considerations critical to stocker and yearling operations, including:
- Using rye or wheat to bridge the gap between cornstalks and grass for growing calves
- Applications and management considerations for virtual fencing
- Implications of the Tyson plant closure on the stocker and yearling segment
- The competitive advantage of Nebraska’s stocker and yearling programs within the broader beef industry
The Winter Stocker Tour is designed for cattle producers, landowners, feed managers and industry professionals interested in improving efficiency, flexibility and profitability within stocker and yearling systems.
Advance registration is encouraged by Jan. 14 at https://go.unl.edu/winterstockertour. The cost to attend is $20 per person, payable at the door.
The event is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and the Southwest Nebraska Cattlemen.
For more information, visit the registration website or contact your local Nebraska Extension office.
