DALLAS - New marketing challenges for beef producers and the important role of the beef quality assurance program are main themes of the 1998 mid-Willamette Beef Field Day to be held on March 7 at the Polk County Fairgrounds in Rickreall.

There is no charge for the event from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and all beef producers are invited, whether small or large-scale operators. Held every two years, the field day is sponsored by the Oregon State University Extension Service in cooperation with the Oregon beef industry.

"A new feature this year is a bull display," said Gene Pirelli, Polk County district livestock and forages agent of the OSU Extension Service and co-organizer of the event. "Purebred breeders from western Oregon will exhibit yearling bulls of various breeds and conduct a live animal evaluation session."

Lee Pitts, columnist and agricultural humorist, will speak during a free beef barbecue lunch for participants provided by area livestock associations and agricultural businesses.

Other speakers include Don Hansen, OSU Extension veterinarian; Bill Zollinger, OSU Extension beef specialist; Randy White, OSU Extension livestock agent in Jackson County; and Bob Lozano, Oregon rancher and member of the board of directors of the Western Beef Ranchers Alliance.

Contact the Polk County office of the OSU Extension Service at 503-623-8395 for more information. Field day organizers request that participants pre-register by March 4 so they can plan the barbecue.

 

Source: 

Gene Pirelli, 503-623-8395

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