Creating a profitable cattle business takes strategy based on market dynamics, management decisions and a willingness to take on a level of risk. This year’s Feeding Quality Forum (FQF) features these topics, so attendees can leave ready to make more informed decisions at the ranch and feedyard to get more value for their cattle. 

Registration is open for the premier event for cattle feeders, cow-calf producers and industry professionals. FQF will be hosted at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort Conference Center in Dodge City, Kan., Aug. 20 and 21, 2024. Half-price registration is available now until June 30 for $125. From July 1 to Aug. 2, registration costs $250. Student registration is $50. Save your seat online at www.FeedingQualityForum.com.

“Each year Feeding Quality Forum is designed to bring attendees timely and relevant information,” says Kara Lee, director of producer engagement at Certified Angus Beef (CAB). “We are excited to host some of the industry’s most qualified experts to talk through topics that matter at the ranch, the feedyard and on the rail.” 

What to expect 

Returning for the 15th time, Dan Basse, AgResource Company, will kick off the event with a Global Market Update. The sessions following will suggest Choice is an outdated quality goal for fed cattle and examine data from packing plants. Hear from the CAB production team on what carcass specs are the most at risk for disqualifying cattle from earning premiums. 

The evening program will celebrate the 2024 Industry Achievement Award recipient, Glen Dolezal, Cargill Protein. Called the “father of instrument grading,” Dolezal oversaw the implementation of Cargill’s tenderness claim and adoption of camera grading. His career tenure includes more than 20 years in the packing sector — focusing on quality beef production, sustainable practices at the plant and sales — following 16 years in academia.

Wednesday morning will feature practical management topics, such as technologies and genetic information, and teach attendees how to use these tools to get paid what they deserve for their cattle. 

“Today’s market of tight supplies and the long-term prospect of a herd rebuild brings new challenges for producers and opportunities they can capitalize on,” Lee says. “At Feeding Quality Forum, attendees will gain top-notch insight into both details.”

New this year is a post-event session at Hy-Plains Feedyard. Attendees can see inside the research facility while participating in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training. The BQA training will also be offered in Spanish.

Find the full agenda, speaker bios and registration info, or go to www.FeedingQualityForum.com