By Andi Anderson
The Ohio State University (OSU) Extension Beef Team is launching the 2025 Virtual Beef School, featuring monthly webinars from January 29 to April. This series offers valuable insights for cattle producers, focusing on practical strategies and economic trends in the livestock industry.
The first session, held on January 29, will be led by Kenny Burdine, Extension Professor in livestock economics at the University of Kentucky. Participants can join in person at the Fairfield County Ag Center in Lancaster or online via Zoom.
The session starts at 6:30 p.m. and will explore record-high beef cattle prices, consumer support for these levels, and the feasibility of herd expansion.
Burdine brings extensive expertise in livestock marketing, price risk management, and profitability. With a career dedicated to helping producers make informed decisions, he delivers 40-60 programs annually and teaches livestock marketing at the University of Kentucky.
The subsequent webinars in the series include:
- February 26: Post-drought pasture management and annual forages for supplemental feed.
- March 26: Addressing open cows—whether to keep or cull.
- April 30: Implementing genomic testing and lessons learned in heifer development.
Each session features leading experts like Christine Gelley, Jason Hartschuh, and Garth Ruff, providing actionable advice for managing livestock operations.
Attendance is free, and participants can register at go.osu.edu/beefschool25. Those attending the in-person session on January 29 can register at go.osu.edu/BeefOutlook.
This series is an excellent opportunity for cattle producers to gain knowledge, explore solutions, and network with peers, making the Virtual Beef School a must-attend event for anyone in the industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sstajic
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Beef Cattle