Understanding effects ‘beyond the ranch’ focus of Aug. 11 NW Oklahoma Beef Conference.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

The Northwest Oklahoma Beef Conference on Aug. 11 will showcase how further processing, innovation, policy and marketing play significant roles in determining the ultimate value of beef and its effects on producers and the industry as a whole.

“While a producer has control over the quality of product that leaves his or her operation, many factors come into play that can affect the value, demand and consumer acceptability of beef once the cattle are marketed,” said Dana Zook, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension area livestock specialist for the state’s Northwest District.

The conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center, located at 111 W. Purdue St. on the Garfield County Fairgrounds, situated on the north side of Enid.

“There is no cost to attend the conference but we do ask participants to RSVP ahead of time as it greatly aids our planning and helps ensure we have sufficient lunches, refreshments and conference materials on hand for everyone,” Zook said. “Lunch is being provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of donors.”

To RSVP, call 580-237-7677 or stop by the OSU Extension Center at 316 E. Oxford St. in Enid.

John Patrick Lopez, chief operations officer of Lopez Foods Inc. in Oklahoma City, will be the keynote speaker. A family owned and operated business since 1992 Lopez Foods is recognized as one of the top meat companies in the United States. The company supplies a variety of protein products to the largest restaurant chains and retailors in the world.

“Mr. Lopez will be speaking about his family’s company and particularly their partnership with the Oklahoma beef industry,” Zook said. “He will be providing firsthand insights into the current sustainability movement and lead a discussion on how to meet that demand while remaining relevant through all sectors of the beef industry.”

In 2015, Lopez Foods was honored by McDonalds as its Supplier of the Year.

Jessica Sampson, agricultural economist with the Livestock Marketing Information Center, will share the latest information about the current state of the beef industry and analyze industry trends and world issues that may play a role in beef prices.

“Policy plays a significant role in the capability of the cattle producers to efficiently and profitably produce beef,” Zook said. “We are excited to have Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, on hand to review key points from this year’s legislative session and highlight upcoming events.

A special demonstration will be provided by Jake Nelson, OSU value-added meat processing specialist with the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. Nelson will highlight newly developed beef cuts in an interactive meat-cutting demonstration.

Heather Buckmaster, executive director of the Oklahoma Beef Council, will complement the cutting demonstration by providing insights about the impact these cuts have on consumer demand and the revenue these new developments are returning to the beef industry.

The Northwest Oklahoma Beef Conference also will feature a large trade show. The complimentary lunch will be catered by Hello Catering and Bakery of Perkins, Oklahoma. Both the lunch and refreshment breaks are made possible through funding provided by local Enid businesses Interbank, Security National Back, Central National Bank and Northwest Vet Supply.