The University of Missouri Extension is hosting a class on backgrounding at the Callaway Extension Office on March 19.
MU experts on the production system, which is the growing of steers and heifers between weaning and when they enter the feedlot for finishing, will speak on nutrition, health, economics and facilities.
"Part of my job is actually to keep in contact with members of the community," MU Extension livestock specialist Anita Ellis said. "Our own commissioner Roger Fischer asked if there was more that Extension could do on backgrounding."
So, Ellis put together a slate of speakers including Dr. Eric Bailey, Dr. Craig Payne DVM, Wesley Tucker and Dr. Joseph Zulovich from MU Extension and Jack Harrison, a local backgrounder. The event will finish with a Q&A panel.
"It's always good to hear it from the horse's mouth," Ellis said.
The event is geared more towards beginners and those new to backgrounding, Ellis said.
"A lot of people in our area do a lot of cow-calf operations, but sometimes with dips in the market, they look for other avenues," Ellis said.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will include a hot meal provided by the Callaway Montgomery County Cattlemen's Association.
"It'd be great to get 50-100 people," Ellis said.
To attend, contact the Callaway Extension Office at 573-642-0755 or [email protected] or register online at https://extension2.missouri.edu/events/backgrounding-101.