CAMEL CONFERENCE IN RIVER CITY

Once again, Cape Girardeau has earned a place on the international map, this time as the host city for the first-ever North American Camel Conference. That's right. Camel conference.

Southeast Missouri's agricultural economy is best known for it grain and livestock production along with vast fields of cotton. However, the area's livestock hasn't always put a lot of focus on camels.

But thanks to the 5-H Ranch north of town, camel fanciers from across the nation and, indeed, around the globe will visit our fair city to learn more about the ships of the desert and their training. Such camel-rich countries as Saudi Arabia and Dubai will be represented at the conference, which started Thursday and includes six days of activities. Visitors from Canada as well as 22 other states also will be here.

There are about 50 camels that can be counted among the county's resident livestock population at the 5-H Ranch, which at one time was home to many interesting and exotic animals.

The purpose of the camel conference is to help educate camel owners, zookeepers, breeders and veterninarians about the animals. The first three days of the conference will be devoted to topics such as health care and rearing of camels. The last three days will focus on camel training.

It isn't very often we get to say this: Welcome to the North American Camel Conference in Cape Girardeau. We hope you enjoy your stay.