The 2009 KOMA Beef Conference is Jan. 8 at the Labette County Fairgrounds Community Center, Oswego, KS. Named after the four states from which it draws participants – Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas – the KOMA Beef Conference begins with registration at 2:30 p.m.; the program will start at 3 p.m.

Sponsored by Kansas State University (KSU) Research and Extension, among the topics to be discussed are:

• Cow-calf economic considerations for the coming year – Kevin Dhuyvetter, KSU ag economist;
  
• Economic impacts of cow biological type – Bob Weaber, University of Missouri beef-cattle genetics specialist;
  
• PI-BVD testing the herd - Larry Hollis, KSU veterinarian;
  
• Cut the bull – Karl Harborth, KSU livestock production specialist;
  
• Inter-seeding legumes - Doug Shoup, KSU crops and soils specialist; and
  
• Cow-calf mineral nutrition - Justin Waggoner, KSU livestock production specialist.
  Attendees should pre-register before Jan. 8 by calling 620-431-1530. Registration, payable at the door, is $20, and includes a barbecue beef dinner.