KCA to host regional meeting in McPherson
Kansas Cattlemen’s Association, in partnership with PrairieLand Partners-John Deere, will host a regional cattlemen’s meeting in McPherson, Kansas, to discuss industry topics on the evening of June 5 at 6 p.m.The meeting will take place at the PrairieLand Partners-John Deere dealership. The meeting will include presentations by Justin Smith, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner, and Craig Kerbs, SmartLic. The presentations and meal are free and open to the public. KCA will provide a presentation on organization information.
Smith replaced Bill Brown as Animal Health Commissioner in May 2017. He has been a valuable part of the agency, leading the animal disease control team, helping organize and execute foreign animal disease preparation efforts, and engaging industry in the work of the division along with many other duties. Prior to coming to KDA as a field veterinarian in 2011, Smith managed a western Kansas ranch, worked as a private practicing veterinarian and as a livestock Extension agent.
The animal health commissioner serves as the executive officer of the KDA Division of Animal Health, overseeing the agency’s three program areas: disease control and traceability, animal facilities inspections and brands, all of which work to ensure the health and welfare of Kansas livestock and domestic animals.
Craig Kerbs with SmartLic, will present "Competition, the Silent Killer." Kerbs will demonstrate how to identify signs that cattle do not have proper access to essential minerals. Additionally, he will discuss concerns of over-crowding of mineral feeders, insufficient number of mineral feeders and salt blocks, and the signs to look for that indicate it is time to make a change or seek expert advice with mineral feeding.
KCA is actively supporting independent producers in Topeka and Washington, D.C. Our staff will update attendees on current legislative work.
The meeting includes a free USA beef brisket dinner prepared by Meat Rubbers BBQ and Catering. To help ensure enough of the meal for everyone, please RSVP to 785-238-1483.
Sponsors of the meeting include: WaterTight Roofing, State Auto Farm & Ranch Insurance, Zeitlow Distributing Co., Te-Pe Oil & Gas, Farmers’ Alliance Mutual Ins. Co., Allan & Deanna Sents, Central Prairie Coop, SmartLic – New Generation Supplements, PrairieLand Partners-John Deere, Central Livestock, Countryside Feed, LLC., SweetPro Feeds.