Beef and Ethanol in 2008 is the theme of three meetings to be held Dec. 18 and 19 in Hoxie, Norton and Quinter.

The meetings, hosted by K-State Research and Extension, will address some of the unique circumstances currently impacting cattle producers and help position them for profitable production in 2008, said Sandy Johnson, K-State Research and Extension Northwest Area livestock specialist. Distillers grains, a by-product of ethanol production, can be a useful and cost effective feedstuff, Johnson said.

Because the supply and price of distillers grains is variable, producers need to learn how they can store and feed the product in various circumstances so they can make a good purchasing decision when the price is right. Twig Martson, K-State Research and Extension beef specialist will discuss feeding management and storage of distillers grains at each meeting.

The past cattle cycle has been the longest in history and some have speculated that the cattle cycle as we have known it is gone. Jim Mintert, K-State livestock marketing specialist will review the market data and address the implications of ethanol, weather and other factors on the cattle cycle, while providing a market outlook for 2008. While profitability for the cow/calf segment is predicted to be down in 2008, an increasing number of opportunities to increase the market value of calves are available. Profit-minded producers will be able to learn about the pros and cons of various value added marketing opportunities at the meeting, Johnson said. There is no cost to attend the meetings, but advanced registration is necessary by Dec. 14.

Meeting dates and contact information are: * Dec. 18 - 9:00 a.m. - Midwest Energy Building, Hoxie (785-675- 3268); * Dec. 18 - 2:00 p.m. - 4-H Building, Norton (785-877-5755); and * Dec. 19 - 9:00 a.m. - Q-Inn Conference Room, Quinter (785-938- 4480).