Bovine Connection Scheduled For Sidney Dec. 1-2

The Richland County, McKenzie County and Williams County Extension offices will once again offer the Bovine Connection, scheduled this year for Dec. 1-2 at the Extension office in Sidney. “We have the dates set, but we do not have the agenda finalized yet,” says Richland County Extension Agent Tim Fine. “This two-day event held every second year for beef cattle producers and associated Ag businesses alternates every second year between Sidney, Williston and Watford City. This year it’s Sidney’s turn to host the event.”

The Bovine Connection traditionally features speakers who discuss a wide range of issues pertinent to the cattle industry. Presenters provide research knowledge, new practices and ideas, and practical information for beef producers in efforts to assist cattlemen in making informed decisions concerning their livestock business.

Organizers rotate the seminar on a two-year cycle, moving it from Williston to Sidney to Watford City. This allows all three centers to have the opportunity to host the event every sixth year.

Organizers held the first Bovine Connection in 1989 after seeing a need for the dissemination of information and education on beef cattle topics to area cattlemen. Organizers wanted to see this information provided locally to eliminate the need for ranchers to have to travel long distances to obtain the same information. Extension agents from Williams, Roosevelt, Richland and McKenzie counties got together, pooled resources, and produced a quality seminar for area cattle producers and agribusiness people. No county alone had the resources to obtain the caliber of speaker organizers wanted for this event, but combining resources allowed them to provide excellent speakers right here at home that provided essential information to local cattlemen.

Today the Bovine Connection receives organizational help from extension agents in North Dakota and Montana, area ranchers from both states, area agribusiness people from both states, and the District 1 Cattlewomen.

Organizers will set the agenda during the month of September. The October Ag Roundup will publish further information and updates about the Bovine Connection.