August 18, 2009

Educational field day designed for Hoosier Angus producers

"Producers will have an opportunity to see new and innovative ways to synchronize cows and shorten their calving interval, as well as learn an effective way to distribute water from a spring water source," said Matt Claeys, Purdue Extension beef specialist and field day coordinator.

Registration for the field day will begin at 9 a.m., and activities start at 10 a.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a judging contest, visit with sire companies and tour Calvert Farm from 10-11 a.m.

Allen Bridges, Purdue Extension beef reproduction specialist, will discuss estrous synchronization options for beef cows and heifers at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch catered by West Point Steak House. At 12:15 p.m., Terry Stewart, Purdue breeding and genetics professor, will help producers better understand genetic defects and give a brief update about the Indiana Beef Evaluation Program (IBEP) Bull Test Station.

Claeys said it's important for producers to understand some of the newly found genetic defects, including curly calf, fawn calf and neuropathic hydrocephalus, and manage to avoid them.

"Managing a herd to reduce the likelihood of a genetic defect will help to ensure the quality of the genetic packages provided to the seedstock buyer," he said.

The field day will wrap up with pasture tours looking at the Scholer beef cow herd early-weaned trial, a paddock grazing system and a unique watering system.

The Calvert and Scholer Beef Units are located off U.S. 231 and County Road 750 N. Lunch is $9 per person, and preregistration is required and can be completed by calling Judy Brown at 317-936-5704. For more information and to preregister, visit https://indianaangus.com/LEFT.htm

Writer: Julie Douglas, 765-496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Source: Matt Claeys, 765-494-4834, mclaeys@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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