DESOTO PARISH, La. — The DeSoto Parish Cattlemen’s Association held its quarterly meeting at the DeSoto Parish Extension Office, bringing local producers together for presentations on cattle vaccines, calving protocols, livestock safety and upcoming industry events.
DeSoto Parish Cattlemen’s Association President Henry Richardson welcomed attendees and introduced the evening’s speakers.
Jacob Bellow, Brand Inspector with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Livestock Brand Commission, introduced himself to producers and discussed safety measures they can implement to help prevent the theft of livestock and machinery.
Shannon Midkiff, Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association President-Elect, provided information about upcoming events being offered by the association. Shae Simon, LCA Executive Director, also addressed the group.
The evening’s first featured speaker was Reese Bassano with Elanco Animal Health, who provided information about rebates available on Elanco products and introduced Dr. Darin Matlick and Dr. Robin Faulkner, both with Elanco.
Matlick presented information about modified live versus killed vaccines, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The program then turned to proper calf delivery. Joshua Salley with the LSU AgCenter used a calving simulator to demonstrate how to properly deliver a calf during cases of dystocia.
Salley was assisted by DeSoto 4-H members Jenna Bamburg and Clay Usrey, who are also serving as Louisiana 4-H State Livestock Ambassadors. Bamburg and Usrey assisted with the simulated calf delivery and showed producers items that should be included in calving kits.
Elanco sponsored the meal for the meeting, which was provided by Kyle Bryant and Big Pit Smoking.
The DeSoto Parish Extension Office thanked the speakers, sponsors and those who attended the quarterly meeting.