A Bi-National Ranchers Conference is slated June 29-30 in Laredo, Texas. The packed program will feature presentations on drought management, global forces impacting the American beef cattle trade, updates on livestock diseases, and other topics.
The conference, which will feature industry representatives and participants from the U.S. and Mexico, will be held in the Embassy Suites Hotel, 110 Calle Del Norte. Cost is $45, and pre-registration by June 24 is recommended to help plan for enough meals, seating, and refreshments.
A trade show will also be featured. For those that want to exhibit, the booth fee is $200.
"Several issues are affecting the beef cattle and wildlife industry and particularly producers in South Texas," says George L. Gonzales, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent in Webb County. "From the current impact of the drought to fluctuations in market prices, we have topics that will be of interest to every producer."
Speakers include Drs. Larry Falconer and Parr Rosson, AgriLife Extension economists; Dr. Joe Paschal, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist; and John Smith, AgriLife Extension program specialist. Dr. Alfonso Ortega-Santos, research scientist, and Dr. Randy DeYoung, research assistant professor, both with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, also will speak. Additional speakers will include Dr. Megan Dominguez, AgriLife Extension range specialist, and Dr. Wayne Hanselka, Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialist emeritus and rangeland consultant.
Topics include: essential records for range operations, grass-fed beef production and management, global forces shaping North American cattle/beef trade, ranch security, rainwater harvesting/water conservation strategies, holistic ranch management, water infiltration methods, cattle, range and forage management, drought management strategies, common misconceptions in white-tailed management practices, foreign animal diseases and veterinarian updates.
Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders will earn two continuing education units (CEUs) on June 29 and two CEUs on June 30.
For more information, call Gonzales at 956-721-2626 or 2627, or Flavio Garza of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service office at 956-723-6643, Extension 3.