(TOPEKA) – HP Rafter Lazy T Ranch will host the August 27 KLA/Kansas State University Ranch Management Field Day near Hoxie. The program will feature discussions on rotational grazing, virtual fencing, and the cattle and beef markets.
A panel of local producers will provide their perspectives on different types of rotational grazing and their experiences with implementing them. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain more information on practices that may work on their operations. A representative from the Natural Resources Conservation Service will moderate the panel.
Cam Tew, western Kansas territory manager for Halter, a virtual fencing company, will introduce a system that is changing the way ranchers manage cattle and grazing. Tew will walk attendees through how the technology works, from its GPS capabilities to the solar-powered collars that let ranchers build fences, move herds and monitor cattle from a cell phone. He also will highlight the practical considerations producers should weigh when looking at virtual fencing options for the first time, including labor savings, grazing management and ease of implementation.
CattleFax Market Analyst Terrel Platt will be on hand to discuss how supply, demand and leverage dynamics could influence cattle prices moving forward. Additionally, Platt will explain how global beef production trends will impact the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
HP Rafter Lazy T Ranch is owned by Keith and Shirley Popp and their son, Trevor. The name of the ranch is a combination of Keith and Shirley’s HP brand and Trevor’s Rafter Lazy T brand. Trevor began working full-time alongside his parents in 2011. In 2017, the family chose to join their brands to form an LLC, combining their commercial cowherds. In addition to raising cattle, the Popps also operate a custom haying business that stretches from Texas to Kansas. The family will share more about their operation during the field day.
The event will begin with registration at 3:30 p.m. CDT and conclude with a complimentary beef dinner. Livestock producers and others involved in the business are invited to attend.
To get to the ranch from Hoxie, go east on U.S. Highway 24 for 2 miles, then turn south (right) onto Road 20E and travel 1.5 miles. Turn east (left) to continue on Road 20E, which turns into Road 30E, for 3 miles. Turn east (left) onto Road 40S and travel for a tenth of a mile. The field day location will be to the south (right). From the Grainfield I-70 exit, go north on U.S. Highway 23 for 13 miles, then turn east (right) onto Road 70S and travel 4 miles. At Road 40E, turn north (left) and go 3 miles, then turn west (left) onto Road 40S and go 3/4 of a mile. The field day location will be to the south (left). Directional signs will be posted.
For more information, go to www.kla.org and click on Events & Meetings or call the KLA office at (785) 273-5115. The Farm Credit Associations of Kansas and Huvepharma are sponsoring the event.
KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of independent livestock producers at the state and national levels. Members of the association are involved in all segments of the livestock industry, including cow-calf production, backgrounding, cattle feeding, swine, dairy and sheep.
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