This years conference will again be hosted at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center located at 111 West Purdue on the Garfield County Fairgrounds beginning at 9:30 am. 

In the beef industry, it is well known that a producer has control over the quality of product that leaves his or her operation.  Once cattle are marketed, however, many other things come into play that affect the value, demand and consumer acceptability of beef.  Come to this year’s program to take a look at how further processing, innovation, policy and marketing play a role in the value of beef “Beyond the Ranch”.

Our keynote speaker this year is John Patrick Lopez, Chief Operations Officer of Lopez Foods Inc. based in Oklahoma City. A family owned and operated company since 1992, Lopez Foods is recognized among the top meat companies in the United States.  Lopez Foods supply’s a variety of protein products to the largest restaurant chains and retailors in the world.  In 2015, Lopez Foods was named the 2015 Supplier of the Year for McDonalds.  At the conference, Mr. Lopez will speak about his family’s company and their partnership with the Oklahoma Beef Industry.  He will explain Lopez Food’s role in the current sustainability movement and lead a discussion on how to meet that demand while remaining relevant in all sectors of the beef industry. 

Jessica Sampson, Agricultural Economist from the Livestock Marketing Information Center will take a look at the current state of the industry and analyze industry trends and world issues that may play a role in beef prices.

Policy plays a significant role in the capability of the beef producers to efficiently and profitably produce beef.  In this state, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is the voice of beef producers at the Oklahoma Legislature.  Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of OCA will provide a review from this year’s legislative session and highlight upcoming events.

A special demonstration will be provided by Jake Nelson, Value-Added Meat Processing Specialist from the OSU Food and Agricultural Products Center.  Mr. Nelson will highlight newly developed beef cuts in an interactive meat cutting demonstration.  Heather Buckmaster, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Beef Council will complement the cutting demonstration by providing the impact these cuts have on consumer demand and the revenue these new developments are returning to the beef industry.   

We hope your schedule will allow you to join us for this excellent program.  The Northwest Oklahoma Beef Conference includes a large trade show and complimentary lunch catered by Hello Catering and Bakery of Perkins, OK.  Lunch is sponsored by generous local businesses; Interbank, Security National Back, Central National Bank, and Northwest Vet Supply.

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