The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA,IOWA -- The Bridgeview Center held the second and final day of the 40th Annual Cow-Calf Conference Saturday.

The event, sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, is one of the biggest events in Ottumwa according to Comittee member Tony Latcham.

"We've been doing this since 1972 and basically its education and informative; the best practices for cattle producers."

Over 100 exhibitors were on hand to display cattle, trailers, hitches, as well as other supplies and services. Producers from all over Iowa also discussed policy and regulatory issues in the beef industry.

Micheal Pilcher raises cattle with his family. He says it's a valuable experience.

"Coming here lets me learn a little bit about the right things to feed them,antibiotics, etc. Everybody here is bringing their A game and explaining what they're going to produce and help you out."

In these tough economic times, Pilcher believes networking gives him an advantage over competitors.

"Here in the show cattle business, it's a very competitive business. Being here kind of helps me step up the game a little bit. Learn little stuff; in's and out's, and make connections. The more people you know the better."

Over 1,000 people attended the conference, which began Friday. Latcham hopes the word will spread about the cattle industry.

"What we hope that people get out of this event is we want cattle producers to be better informed. It's their one chance of the year to come in and really get educated."

And of course, it also benefits the city.

"I think the Cow-Calf Conference is a great thing here in Ottumwa. It lets them show what we're made of; and show that we're a great place for cattle."