BAYLIS, Ill.—Experts from the University of Illinois will lead discussions addressing research, current topics, and situations producers are facing on-farm during the annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the new Ag Sciences Complex and Fred Bradshaw Learning Center at the John Wood Community College Ag Center located west of Perry.
The program includes University of Illinois professors Dan Shike and Tiago Bresolin, who will update attendees on the newest research at the U. of I. Topics include weaning strategies, digital phenotyping, and using cameras for weight measurement and cow size.
Kaitlyn Dozler-German, virtual fence program manager at the University of Missouri, will give a presentation on virtual fence. She will overview current virtual fence products available, outline the capabilities of virtual fence, and discuss experiences with virtual fence and her interaction with producers using this technology.
Teresa Steckler, University of Illinois beef specialist, will talk about managing increasing tick pressures and give an update on the Asian longhorned tick that was recently discovered in Illinois.
To conclude the event, Travis Meteer will moderate a panel discussion including university staff and cattle producers. Discussion topics will include using technology on your farm, tips to remain profitable, and a chance for attendees to ask their own questions to experts.
Attendees who are interested in seeing the cattle facilities at the Orr Beef Research Center can attend a pre-meeting tour at 3 p.m. Cattle will be on display, and the tour will include the calving barn, winter pens, windbreaks, feed storage, and fence-line hay feeders.
All attendees must register by emailing Travis Meteer at wmeteer2@illinois.edu. A complimentary dinner is provided at no charge. The meal will be grilled and served by the CWCC Ag Club. The pre-tour will be a mix of outdoor and under roof, so dress appropriately. Please do not wear clothing or footwear that you have worn in your feedlot or pastures unless washed. The talks will be held indoors in a friendly climate, no matter the weather.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Travis Meteer at wmeteer2@illinois.edu or 217-430-7030.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.