By KELLY HECKAMAN
Extension Educator
Agriculture and Natural Resources

SILVER LAKE — This year’s beef twilight tour offers fun and fellowship for all area beef producers at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. The 18th addition heads to the Silver Lake area. All who attend will get to see great cattle, learn about the Limousin breed and enjoy a delicious meal sponsored by the Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association.

The host for this year’s tour is Conley Cattle — Mark and Jodi Conley and Family and Tony and Karen Conley and Family.  Featured this year is a commercial cow calf operation with emphasis on producing beef. The Conley’s are actively involved in a variety of aspects of the beef industry. You will be able to tour the herd and facilities at the farm located just south of Silver Lake and east of SR 15 off of 1200 S.

The judging contest is back. As attendees arrive they can test their selection skills on two to three classes. This event is now an annual part of the tour. Prizes will be awarded for the winners of the youth and adult divisions.

This year the tour is featuring several educational presentations. Mikaela Conley will give an overview of the cattle operation. Leon Tucker and Hannah Tucker will share information on the emergence of the Limousin breed and association in Indiana. This will be followed by Krystal Connolly with Purina discussing the future of the beef industry combined with a legislative update.

The tour is also hosting the Associate Member Trade Show. If you are interested in having a booth or a door prize you would like to donate, contact Mikaela Conley at (574) 253-3149 or Mark Conley at (574) 528-1961

Of course the tour would not be complete without the traditional meal of rib eye sandwiches with all the trimmings for supper. After the meal the judging contest results will be given. Door prizes will be given away to a few lucky winners to complete the evening.

So, mark your calendar for Aug. 22 and enjoy an informal evening of learning about the beef industry in Kosciusko County. To assist in planning the tour, the Cattlemen’s ask that you RSVP with the extension office at (574) 372-2340 by Aug. 20. There is no cost for the tour. However, after Aug. 20, $5 will be charged for the meal payable at the door.

The tour and meal is sponsored by the Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association and Purdue Extension — Kosciusko County.

A map and directions are available from the extension office or on the website under current events. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the extension office at (574) 372-2340.