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Still time to register for Livestock Care Conference, March 21-22

Date posted: March 7, 2012

New expectations, partnerships and economic opportunities are all part of the fast-changing world of farm animal care.

Livestock producers and others involved with the livestock industry can get a front-row seat to learning about the latest developments in these areas - including what they mean for their management strategies and bottom line - at the Livestock Care Conference, March 21-22, 2012 in Red Deer, Alberta.

The annual conference, hosted by Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), has built a reputation as a leading forum of its kind for drawing top speakers and tackling the big issues in farm animal care. It combines focused discussion on what producers need to manage and a broader look at where the world is headed.

"If you're a livestock producer or someone who works with producers and the industry, this conference is built for you," says Lorna Baird, AFAC Executive Director. "The conference dates are coming up quick and we encourage those who haven't registered yet to get their spot reserved. Call the AFAC office or register through the AFAC website."

This year's conference will focus on the theme of "Defining the Future" and feature both local and international speakers. The two-day agenda includes an evening reception and student poster session on Wednesday, March 21, with the main speaker agenda running from 8:15 to 4:30 on Thursday, March 22.

"Most people attend the single day speaker session, which is on the Thursday this year," says Baird. "But everyone is also welcome to join us on Wednesday evening."

The speaker session features Charlie Arnot of the U.S.-based Centre for Food Integrity on "Setting the scene;" Kansas State University's Glynn Tonsor on "Consumer expectations and their economic impact;" Gene Gregory of United Egg Producers on "New partnerships: History in the making - UEP and the HSUS;" and Herman Vermeer of Wageningen UR Livestock Research, Netherlands, on "EU swine gestation stall phase out – implications for producers."

In addition, industry consultant Theresa Dietrich talks "Word on the street – consumer perceptions;" and a session on "Progressive industry leaders" showcases innovative Alberta producers and industry representatives making good business decisions with a positive impact on animal care.

Full conference agenda is available at www.afac.ab.ca/lcc. Register online at that address or call AFAC at 403-662-8050.

Reprintable with credit. This article is available for reprint, with acknowledgement of the source: Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC).

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Still time to register for Livestock Care Conference, March 21-22