Events

Cattle Trails Cow-Calf Conference to be held Jan. 6 in Wichita Falls

Past Event:

Drought will be the focus of the Cattle Trails Cow-Calf Conference, a joint effort between Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, to be held Jan. 6 in Wichita Falls. 

This annual conference provides cow-calf producers the most up-to-date information on topics that influence cattle profits, said Stan Bevers, AgriLife Extension economist in Vernon.

The slogan of the annual conference is “driving your cattle to profits.” Bevers said this year’s drought made it tough to generate any profit.  However, ranchers have been through droughts before.  The difference now is the additional rising input costs and market volatility.  Coming out of this drought will require a new level of understanding and pencil pushing.

 The conference, which alternates between Texas and Oklahoma each year, will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MPEC Center, 1000 5th Street in Wichita Falls.

Registration is $25 per person and includes educational materials, a copy of the Cattle Trails Cow-Calf Conference proceedings, a noon meal and refreshments. Additional information can be obtained at http://agrisk.tamu.edu.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Bryan Rupp, KFDX TV 3 meteorologist from Wichita Falls. Rupp will provide his forecast as well as what to expect from changing weather patterns in this area. 

 “While nobody knows what the 2012 weather will be, ranchers should start preparing their response to improving weather,” Bevers said. 

Additional speakers include faculty from both Oklahoma and Texas. Topics to be discussed include drought-related effects on the area’s cow herd, reinvesting after the drought, the drought’s impact on natural resources, and herd dynamics. Industry sponsors also will have their products on display during the event.

Producers are encouraged to pre-register by contacting their local AgriLife Extension county agent, their Oklahoma Cooperative Extension county educator, or by contacting Karen Thompson at 940-552-9941, extension 217 or by email at kethompson@ag.tamu.edu.