.
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 2006 |
CONTACT:
Margie Hunter |
Beef Agribition Offers Cost Share-Ready Bulls and More
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – “For cattle producers who have been approved to purchase bulls through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Cattle Improvement Initiative, the Tennessee Beef Agribition is a perfect opportunity to find bulls that will meet all the eligibility requirements,” says Margie Hunter, livestock marketing specialist with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Tennessee Beef Agribition will be held in Murfreesboro, March 10-12 at Middle Tennessee State University’s Tennessee Livestock Center. The annual three-day cattle show and sale event traditionally features one of the largest cattle trade shows in the Southeast, giving producers a look at new products and the direction of the industry.
This year, according to Hunter, the event offers producers looking for TAEP Cattle Improvement Initiative bulls even more: peace of mind.
“To receive partial reimbursement for a pre-approved bull purchase, not only did the producer have to meet several requirements, but now those farmers have to find bulls that meet some requirements, as well,” says Hunter. “Eligible bulls have to pass a Breeding Soundness Evaluation and be in the top 60 percent of breed in at least two Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) traits.”
The TAEP Cattle Improvement Initiative is a program aimed at increasing farm income in Tennessee by providing cost-share funds to farmers for the improvement of beef and dairy cattle genetics and livestock handling facilities.
“Nearly 100 herd sire prospects will sell, and most meet all eligibility requirements necessary for a pre-approved producer to receive his reimbursement,” says the specialist. “It’s hard to imagine, really, another opportunity where a producer can find so many eligible, top-notch bulls, in so many breeds, all in one place at the same time.”
Ten different chartered beef breeds are represented and more than 20,000 people are expected to attend Agribition. Breed shows begin Friday at 11 a.m. with sales for each breed immediately following that breed’s show. Saturday shows and sales begin at 8:30 a.m. and at about 10:30 a.m., respectively. A limited number of cow and calf pairs will be available for sale. All animals will be available for viewing at the center before being sold. The junior show, one of the event’s most popular features, will take place Sunday.
Agribition continues to offer serious producers its traditional benefits as well, says Hunter, including the opportunity to purchase cows and heifers, purebred breeding stock and even donor embryos during a peak breeding season. The added benefit of watching breeds being shown and judged just before sale is an opportunity few buyers ever experience except during Agribition, according to Hunter.
“For producers ready to purchase their cost share bulls, the timing and the bulls just couldn’t be better.”
To learn more about Tennessee Beef Agribition, contact Quintin Smith at (615) 444-8701. For information about the junior show, contact Kevin Ferguson at (615) 898-7710.
###
This and other news releases from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture can be found at http://tennessee.gov/agriculture/news/index.html
Market Development/Pick Tennessee Products news releases can also be found at http://picktnproducts.org/press/index.html