News and Information from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

News and Information from The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Contact: Ginger Trice, Marketing and Communications, 731-425-4768 For Immediate Release October 30, 2008

Tennessee Cattle Breeders and Producers Attend UT Bull Test Open House

(Spring Hill, TN) Dozens of commercial beef producers as well as purebred cattle breeders recently converged at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center for the 2008 Bull Test Open House. The event began with educational presentations from University of Tennessee Animal Science Professors, Dr. Neal Schrick and Dr. David Kirkpatrick, as well as Kevin Thompson, the director of genetics for Tennessee Livestock Producers. The presentations focused on cattle herd improvement through good management, bull selection and striving for herd uniformity.

Those in attendance also heard from veteran cattleman Dell King, owner of King Livestock Company. KLC is one of the most successful livestock companies in the southeast. Mr. King shared his personal experiences and observations from years of working in the cattle industry.

Following the presentations, visitors had the opportunity to observe the Senior and Junior Performance Tested Bulls that will be featured in upcoming sales at the UT Bull Test Station. The Senior Bull Test is set for January 22, 2009, while the Junior Bull Test will take place March 12, 2009.

For a summary of the Open House presentations, click on the links below.

Managing and Using Yearling Bulls in Operation, Dr. Neal Schrick, University of TN Matching Bull Genetics to Cowherd, Dr. David Kirkpatrick, University of TN Utilizing Genetics to Improve Uniformity, Kevin Thompson, TN Livestock Producers

The University of Tennessee Central Bull Test Station is a cooperative program involving AgResearch, the Extension Service and the Tennessee Beef Cattle Improvement Association. It is located at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Spring Hill, one of 10 outdoor laboratories operated by UT AgResearch, a division of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.