KCA Hosts Seminars to Benefit Beginning Cattlemen

The Kansas Cattlemen’s Association hosted its Cattlemen’s College in Salina, Kansas on June 13, 2015. The annual event showcased seminars for beginning farmers and ranchers which were designed to build and enhance knowledge of animal health and wellness, obtaining capital, managing risk, marketing strategies, and pasture management. Attendees came from all across the state of Kansas.

Kim Cerny, Saline County Farm Service Agency, started with a seminar geared toward obtaining guaranteed financing. Following the financial programs, Cerny discussed the development of a realistic budget and business balance sheet. She mentioned that being conservative in your expected income helps to ensure success in the long-term. Following Cerny was Josh Wagner, Lang Diesel, Inc., discussing techniques and strategies for purchasing new and used equipment.

Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Department of Agriculture, kicked off the animal health and welfare seminar for the event by discussing common diseases and prevention within the cattle industry as well as emergency management strategies. Dr. Mark Corrigan with a presentation by Merck Animal Health regarding animal health followed. Animal nutrition was discussed by David Murphy and Scott Weber of Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed.

Darrin Unruh, Kauffman Seeds, discussed the importance of proper ground coverage of healthy desirable foliage as part of proper pasture management. Combining staggered grazing patterns with diversified plant choices provides for long-term soil improvement, resulting in healthier, sustainable pasturelands.

Schwieterman, Inc. representatives were in attendance to present the basics of commodities trading. Domenic Varricchio discussed recent patterns in the beef industry, and the impact this has had on the markets. Students learned that although headcounts for slaughter are lower than recent years, beef production per pound is slipping at a much slower pace due to head count weight. In addition, Varricchio discussed the basics of trading commodity futures and options with the group. Spencer Crowther, Laue Charolais Ranch and Double C Ranch shared how seed stock and private treaty marketing of cattle is an alternative to traditional cattle marketing strategies.

The final seminar offered was Livestock and Business Risk Management. Lance Sharp, Copeland Insurance, discussed the liabilities that operations face as qualified businesses. As operations change, so do the insurance needs of the business, and it is always important to keep your agent up-to-date on machinery changes, services offered changes.

The event wrapped up with door prizes and refreshments compliments of Orscheln Farm & Home, Rittel’s Western Wear, Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Sales, Saline County Farm Bureau Association, Holm Auto, Farmway COOP, Community National Bank, and Triple C, Inc.