Cattlemen and women are gearing up for the Michigan Cattlemen’s Summer Round-Up and Education Series from June 20-22 in Clare, Mich.

The event, which is sponsored in part by the National Corn Growers Association, will feature speakers and demonstrations encompassing a variety of topics important to farm and ranch owners and managers.  

“The Michigan Cattlemen’s Summer Round-Up and Education Series promises to be an excellent opportunity for Michigan cattlemen and women to learn more about current management practices, technologies and techniques that can make a difference in the bottom line of their operations,” says Brian Plank, Michigan Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) president. “We know our producers must be specialists in many different fields in order to be successful, and that’s why we strive to provide the most relevant topics and foremost speakers at the Summer Round-Up.”   

The event begins Thursday, June 20, with a program for young cattlemen, followed by a meeting and reception at the historic Doherty Hotel.

On Friday, June 21, the Education Series I will include a field day where participants will learn from experts about proper fence construction, watering system design, rotational grazing strategies, cattle handling equipment and see a post-peeling demonstration. 

The afternoon program will include lunch and will focus on dealing with predators that threaten cattle and the Michigan cattle industry. Barb Wilkinson, senior executive director of governance and leadership development, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and Blaine Bailer, an expert on predator control from Jay’s Sporting Goods, will lead these sessions. 

“In addition to wildlife, predators might include things like regulations or lost markets,” Plank says. “This session is an opportunity for every cattle producer in Michigan to influence the direction of our association and the future of our industry. We want a two-way discussion where participants are encouraged to share their thoughts.” 

A social hour and the MCA awards banquet will be June 21 at the Doherty Hotel. The evening program will include a performance by professional comedian Dwayne Gill, a Lansing, Mich., police officer and former U.S. Marine. Participants also can win prizes and support the MCA Political Activity Fund through an auction and raffle after the banquet.  

Education Series II begins Saturday, June 22, with a tour of Gloryland Ranch and presentations about the economics of grazing irrigated pastures, cow size economic implications and profitable forage management.

Series II also includes a tour of Wernette Cattle Co., where cattle backgrounding and soil health management for optimum sustainability will be demonstrated. Jason Rowntree, associate professor of animal science at Michigan State University, will lead the discussions. The day concludes with lunch at Wernette Cattle Co. 

“The Michigan Cattlemen’s Summer Round-Up and Education Series not only provides producers with an opportunity to learn more about the most efficient and practical ways to run their businesses, it also is an excellent networking opportunity,” Plank says. “Attendees have the chance to speak with fellow producers and speakers about management practices that can benefit their own operations.”

Plank says producers interested in attending the event should register on the MCA website or call the MCA office at 517-347-8117. 

Source: Michigan Cattlemen’s Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.