Alva Review-Courier -

Oklahomans interested in learning more about the ranching industry and touring some of the most progressive ranches in the state should make plans to take part in the two-day Oklahoma State Ranch Tour.

The tours will take place June 5 at McMurphy Red Angus and Jesse Chapman Ranch, Alva, Oklahoma; Cargill Salt Plant and Luddington Angus Ranch, Freedom, Oklahoma; and north of Camp Houston where the group will learn about wildfire recovery and use of prescribed burning.

David Lalman, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension beef cattle specialist, said participants will tour a variety of ranching systems and observe applications of the best management practices in these operations.

“This is a great opportunity for beef cattle producers and other industry professionals to see and learn from some of the most progressive ranching operations in Northwest Oklahoma,” Lalman said. “This tour will be of benefit to experienced ranchers, as well as those who are new to the industry.”

Each Ranch Tour host was selected because they have successfully implemented key practices that should improve their efficiency and profitability. These practices include the use of cover crops, selection of replacement heifers, use of prescribed fire, sire selection and bull development, crossbreeding, feed yard performance, carcass quality and implementation of value-added marketing programs such as nonhormone treated cattle, as well as natural and Global Animal Partnership programs.

Participants may drive their own vehicle or sign up to ride in one of the vans. They also are responsible for making their own hotel accommodations in Woodward. Online registration and pricing is available at http://www.afs.okstate.edu/marketplace. Click on Oklahoma State Ranch Tour. For more information, contact Greg Highfill at 580-327-2786, Dana Bay at 580-254-3391 or Dana Zook at 580-237-7677.