MINUTES
VERMILION PARISH EXTENSTION BEEF ADVISORY MEETING
FEBRUARY 22, 2010 – 6:30 P.M.
Members present were: John Andrus, James LeLeux, Scott LeMaire, Blue Boullion,
Raymond Fontenot, Russel LeBlanc, Eric Broussard, Randy Stutes, Gordy Broussard, Dago
Boudreaux, Mike Martin, Sam Duplantis, Calvin LeBouef, Ed Dartez, Dr. Wayne Wyatt and Dr.
Guillermo Scaglia.
Chairman John Andrus called the meeting to order and asked participants to introduce themselves. He then called on Andrew to discuss the purpose of the Advisory Committee. John called on Dr. Wayne Wyatt, Professor of Animal Science at the Iberia Research Station, to update the group on research projects he was conducting. He highlighted his evaluation of
Bonsmara cattle. John then called on Dr. Scaglia to update the group on his research projects.
Dr. Scaglia highlighted his forage fed beef and his timing of supplementation projects. There were several questions by the group for Drs. Wyatt and Scaglia.
Andrew then discussed cattle issues on the local, state and national levels. Hurricane recovery, Louisiana branded beef, and national market conditions were highlighted. He also called the groups attention to the minutes of the last meeting and discussed the educational programs that were conducted to address the issues identified.
Andrew then conducted an exercise to identify and prioritize issues affecting the profitability of cattle producers in southwest Louisiana. In order of priority, these were the issues identified by participants.
- Marketing options and programs including age and source verification
- Costs of Production – Feed, By-Products, Bulk Purchase, Group Purchase, Winter
Pasture Alternatives, Weed Control
- Insurance and Liability Issues
- Bull Selection – Genetic Value, Leasing
- Heifer Development and Sales
- AI – Sexed Semen
- Discounting of Brahman Influenced Cattle
Andrew then asked the group for input on delivery methods. The group was supportive of current methods but asked for increased contact for those using email.
John then adjourned the meeting.