Market analyst Corbitt Wall to headline Missouri Livestock Symposium on Dec. 1-2 in Kirksville

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Feeder Flash livestock market analyst Corbitt Wall will be the featured Friday night speaker at the 24th annual Missouri Livestock Symposium, Dec. 1-2 at William Matthew Middle School in Kirksville.

Wall, a fourth-generation cattleman, reports daily market information and shares commentary on current livestock markets on National Beef Wire, says Garry L. Mathes, symposium chairman.

In a press release, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist and symposium vice chairman Zac Erwin said, “Corbitt is arguably one of the most prominent voices in the cattle marketing business and has developed a significant following of beef producers throughout the Midwest. Most producers appreciate his straightforward communication style and fundamental understanding of the cattle market from farm to futures.”

Wall is the commercial cattle manager and livestock market analyst for DV Auction. He has earned a reputation for his keen understanding of the ever-evolving dynamics of livestock marketing. Wall’s broadcasts air five days a week.

Doors for the symposium and trade show open at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. A beef supper will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the evening program at 7 p.m. and Wall’s presentation at 8 p.m. Saturday events run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and all meals are free.

Saturday’s speakers include MU Extension specialists Wes Tucker, Joe Horner and Eric Bailey. Tucker, an ag business specialist and cattleman, talks about rising cattle prices and production costs. Horner, an ag economist, will give tips on “bulletproofing your beef operation.” Bailey, state beef specialist, tells how to feed when there is no feed. Tucker returns in another session to talk about beef cow leasing arrangements.

Veterinarian Chris Perry will give strategies for deworming and how to control liver flukes. Idaho beef producer Steve Campbell shares “How the Red Solo Cup Cow Can Improve Your Bottom Line.”

David Boatright, of Sedalia, will inform and entertain attendees with a presentation, “Do You Want to Sign the Front or the Back of the Check?” He will give a second presentation on how to bring younger generations back to the farm. Wes Tucker returns with “Options for $5,000 an Acre Pasture.”

Other speakers are:

• Jamie Kurtz, a state grazing specialist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Harley Naumann, MU Extension state forage and grazing management specialist.
• Jim Greendyk, a Scottsdale, Ariz., horse trainer
• Megan McCracken, a veterinarian who teaches equine sciences at MU.
• Marty Gibbs of Texas A&M, who will give tips for successful 4-H and FFA sheep projects.
• Mohan Acharya, a small-ruminant specialist from Lincoln University, will give updates on parasite control.
• MU Extension livestock specialist David Brown will tell how to diversify operations with sheep, then will talk about the role of condensed tannins in goat nutrition.
• Randall Cass of Iowa State University will talk about how farmers and ranchers can support honeybees.
• MU Extension poultry specialist Jawad Aljuboori also will speak.
• MU Extension horticulturist Jennifer Schutter offers “Garden Hodgepodge” and a session where attendees can make holiday floral arrangements to take home.
• Ron Hanson, professor emeritus at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will talk about farm succession in two sessions.
• MU Extension state forestry specialist Hank Stelzer will talk about Missouri’s white oak, whiskey and wine industries.
• There also will be sessions on stock dogs.

Commodity groups and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are among the sponsors for the free Friday dinner and Saturday luncheon. Platinum-level sponsors are MU Extension, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Sullivan Auctioneers LLC, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, FCS Financial, KTVO Studios, MFA Oil, Pepsi Cola Memphis Bottling and Missouri Beef Industry Council.

For more information, go to www.missourilivestock.com, or call the MU Extension Center in Adair County at 660-665-9866 or Garry Mathes at 660-341-6625.