Refocusing after the drought will be theme of the Cattle Trails Wheat and Stocker Conference, a joint effort between the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service to be held July 31 in Wichita Falls.
The conference, which alternates between Texas and Oklahoma each year, will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Events Center at 1000 5th Street in Wichita Falls.
This annual conference provides wheat producers and stocker cattle operators with the most up-to-date information on topics that influence their operations' profits, says Stan Bevers, Texas AgriLife Extension Service economist in Vernon.
HEAD OUT. Make a path to the Cattle Trails Wheat and Stocker Cattle Conference on July 31 at the Multi-Purpose Events Center in Wichita Falls, Texas. It is a joint Oklahoma and Texas event.
The slogan of the annual conference is "Driving your operations to profits." However, Bevers says the target of this year's conference will be refocusing on production and profitability after last year's drought.
"Many production areas have received adequate rainfall, but the drought has left some lasting impressions including fewer calves for grazing," Bevers says. "Coming out of last year's drought will require a new level of understanding and pencil pushing."
Registration is $25 per person and includes educational materials, printed proceedings, a noon meal, and refreshments. Additional information can be obtained online at http://agrisk.tamu.edu.
Key speakers presenting information include: Dr. Larry Sanders, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service economist, discussing the general economic outlook for agriculture; Paul Coleman, chief operations officer and partner, Fontera Feedyard, Muleshoe, speaking on the current challenges in the feedlot industry; and Dr. J.P. Pollreisz, veterinarian for Pfizer, Inc., Amarillo, discussing challenges for maintaining the health and productivity of stocker cattle.
Additional speakers include faculty from Extension Service entities in Oklahoma and Texas. Other topics will include current research on stocker cattle processing, the cattle and wheat market outlook, and a wheat production update. Industry sponsors also will have their products on display during the event.
Producers can preregister by contacting their local Extension agent, or their Oklahoma Cooperative Extension county educator, or Karen Thompson at 940-552-9941, Ext. 217 or by Email to kethompson@ag.tamu.edu.