Jan. 19: Tennessee Cattlemen’s Convention



Farm Family school moves to Murfreesboro on January 19th for the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Convention at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. The activities will begin at 11:00 on the 19th for lunch at Ms. Mary Bobo’s restaurant in Lynchburg. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour Jack Daniels Distillery and Feed Commodity area.

Beginning at 5:30 P.M., a Replacement Heifer Demonstration will be held at the MTSU Livestock Center conducted by Dr. Justin Rhinehart and Kevin Thompson. ($10 fee includes supper provided by MTSU Student Livestock Association) The TCA Convention and Trade Show continues at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro on the 20st and 21st. Schedule of events can be found in the TCA magazine, online at http://www.tncattle.org/convention.html or contact the Cannon County Extension Office at 563-2554.

January 26th is the annual Middle Tennessee Grain Conference in Manchester, Tn.  at the Coffee County Fairgrounds. Pre- registration fee for the conference is five dollars per person, which includes the program and materials, refreshments, lunch, a copy of the conference proceedings, and a grain conference cap. Registration ($5.00 pre-registered by Friday, 01/20/2012; $10.00 at the door) Contact the Cannon County Extension Office for more information 563-2554. Conference day registration will begin at 7:30 am at a cost of ten dollars per person.

According to the 2011 conference evaluation survey, 221 farmers from twenty-two middle Tennessee Counties and two adjoining states rated the Middle Tennessee conference as an excellent source of information addressing pertinent crop production topics.

An excellent slate of speakers will address management strategies for corn, wheat and soybean production for 2011, followed by keynote speaker, Dr. Larry Steckel, UT Extension Weed Specialist, who will address the rapid movement of Palmer amaranth in middle and east Tennessee and an update on new glyphosate resistant weeds discovered in Tennessee. According to Dr. Steckel, “Palmer pigweed could potentially be the worst pest for row crop production farmers have ever experienced.” Dr. Steckel’s presentation will address proactive management of glyphosate resistant weeds for economical control.

The Middle Tennessee Grain conference begins with registration at 7:30 am.  The trade show opens at 8:00 am, with break-out presentations beginning at 9:00 am addressing the 2012 grain market outlook, variety selection, compliance with on-farm fuel storage regulations, new crop insects, and managing wheat for top yields. The program will conclude with the keynote presentation following a catered lunch.

On February 2, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle business. The 2012 convention will be the 114th annual convention. The convention and trade show create a unique, fun environment for cattle industry members to come together to network, create policy for the industry and to have some fun! Information concerning the NCBA Convention can be found at http://www.beefusa.org/abouttheconvention.aspx.

February 9th will feature the traditional Beef Night. Beef Night is sponsored by the Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association. President, Davy Sneed is scheduling speakers targeting marketing alternatives.

No Farm Family School is scheduled for February 16th due to the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

On February 23, the Cannon County Farm Bureau is the sponsor. Lou Nave, FAACT Executive Director is assisting in scheduling speakers for this session. The University of Tennessee has been conducting research on alternative methods of disposing of deceased livestock animals. During the past year, researchers have conducted a trial with deceased horses, dairy cows and an assortment of livestock animals. Their findings will provide an alternative to the traditional “dead animal” pickup. This service has not been available in the county due to the cost. Shawn Hawkins, Assistant Professor with the University of Tennessee Extension Service will provide insight on the status of the trial and practical alternatives for the livestock owner. Others topics to be discussed on the 23rd include: update on the control of wild hogs in Middle Tennessee and EPA policies effecting agriculture.

Horse Night is scheduled for March 1st. Dr. Bridget McIntosh will discuss Parasite Control and Nutrition Needs for the Stabled Horse. This session is sponsored by the Cannon County Walking Horse Association.

All meetings will be held at the Woodbury Lions Club Building beginning at 7:00. The exceptions include the Middle Tennessee Grain Conference (Manchester, Tn.) and the TCA convention (Murfreesboro, TN.) and the National Cattlemen’s Convention which will be held in Nashville, Tn. In the event of severe weather or change in the 2012 schedule, listen to WBRY radio, WBRY.com or cannoncourier.com. Help spread the word, bring a friend or neighbor to Farm Family School! For more information please contact the Cannon County Extension Office at 563-2554. All programs conducted by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service are conducted on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, Religion, veteran status or other legally protected categories.