MONTANA NUTRITION CONFERENCE & LIVESTOCK FORUM

April 15 & 16 - Grand Tree Hotel - Bozeman, MT

The beef industry continues to be faced with challenges and changes. Currently, the industry is struggling with how to deal with the ever increasing prices of feedstuffs, and additional ways to increase the value of cattle being marketed. Questions being asked are "Should we produce calves for the natural market?", and "What are the risks and potential rewards for switching to a natural production system?".

The 2008 Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference will show case experts and local producers to present their views on what ranchers can continue to do to meet consumer demands for safe and wholesome beef. In 2003, the consumer purchases for natural foods grew by 24%. What exactly is driving consumer demand for natural products? Ranchers want to know if they will receive added value for producing natural beef without the use of growth promotants and antibiotics realizing there could be a decline in weight gain and an increase in morbidity.

Please come and join us on April 15th and 16th for a stimulating conference aimed at understanding the "hands on" production of cattle for both the natural and conventional markets of the beef industry.

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CURRENT DYNAMICS IN AGRICULTURE:
ENERGY COSTS, GLOBAL MARKETS, AG POLICY,
PRICE PROTECTION, AND LEASING ARRANGEMENTS

May 8, 2008 - HOLIDAY INN - BILLINGS, MT

Agricultural producers are currently struggling with how to respond to the dynamic conditions in agriculture. This conference will provide an overview of the impact the energy sector, global market conditions and changing government policy has had on U.S. agriculture. Each of these overview presentations will examine current conditions and assess forecasts for the future.

For more information on either of these worshops, please contact the Fallon/Carter County Extension Office at (406)778-7110 or
e-mail Nico Cantalupo (link under Contact Us on the left bar).

TOP 10 FARM SAFEY TIPS

1. Stay alert, and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Account for the mental and physical differences associated with age.
3. Be sure to include hazard and safety lessons when training workers.
4. No seat, no rider, no exceptions. Extra riders can cause distractions and block access to controls.
5. Use hydraulic equipment cautiously, and control operations from the tractor seat only.
6. Never attempt to unplug equipment while power is engaged.
7. Use safety identification markers, turn signals, flashing lights, and/or escort vehicles when driving farm equipment on public roads.
8. Carry a fire extinguisher on every piece of powered equipment.
9. Prepare a safe play area for children away from machinery.
10. Enforce basic safety rules for others, and follow them yourself.

TOP 10 FARM SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS

1. No seat, no rider. Do not allow children to be extra riders on farm equipment, even if they are helping with chores.
2. Keep small children from playing on, in or under machinery or equipment. Provide an alternate safe-play area.
3. Know where children are before starting machinery and farm vehicles.
4. Train and closely supervise youth who will be operating farm machinery and equipment.
5. Keep ladders out of reach.
6. Keep small children away from large animals, particularly animals that have recently given birth.
7. Do not let children under age 12 operate an all-terrain vehicle.
8. Keep children from playing on, or in, silos and grain bins or wagons.
9. Do not leave children unsupervised around farm ponds or manure pits.
10. Hold monthly family farm safety review sessions.