Regional Cow-Calf meeting features Scottish Highlanders

This year's regional cow-calf meeting, Wednesday, March 28, in rural Shell Lake, is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Extension Livestock Team.

The meeting will run from 5-9 p.m. at the Rachel Swanson Farm, 24560 Poquette Lake Road, just west of Spooner in Burnett County.

From Spooner, go 7 miles west on Hwy. 70 and then three-quarters mile south on Poquette Lake Road. Watch for the signs.

Swanson rotationally grazes 20 Scottish Highlander beef cattle on 50 acres following a grazing plan developed by the Northwest Graziers Network.

Rachel and her business partner Rob own 72 scenic acres. They run a landscaping business called R&R Landscapes. Rob also restores antique tractors. The meeting will be held in a heated facility.

The program begins with a farm tour followed by a beef supper and program at 6 p.m. at the farm.

Topics will include: Selling $1,000 Calves in 2012, Cow-Calf Industry Outlook, Using Pastures to Add Pounds and Value to Calves, Using Blood Pregnancy Tests, and Update on Wolves and Other Predators.

Speakers will include state Extension specialists from UW-Madison and UW-River Falls and a USDA/APHIS wildlife biologist.

Cost of the program is $12 for the meal. Register in advance by Monday, March 26.

For registration or questions, contact Otto Wiegand or Kevin Schoessow at UWEX-Spooner, 800-528-1914 or 715-635-3506.