Register now to attend Jan. 14 Cattle Trails Cow-Calf Conference in Wichita Falls

Friday, December 20, 2013

Cattle producers looking to pick up the latest information about key operational management decisions should register now to attend the Jan. 14 Cattle Trails Cow-Calf Conference in Wichita Falls, Texas.

The annual conference is a joint effort between the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, with the intent of helping producers drive their operations toward profit.

Marty New, Comanche County Extension director and agricultural educator, said profit margins can be tight in the best of times, and years of drought and its effects on today’s cattle industry have made staying abreast of the latest developments more important than ever for producers.

“Think of the conference as one-stop shopping,” he said. “The most up-to-date information will be presented and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of and interact with some of the region’s premier cattle-management experts, as well as other producers who are in positions similar to them.”

The Jan. 14 conference – which alternates between Oklahoma and Texas each year – will take place from 8 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m. at Wichita Falls’ Multi-Purpose Events Center, located at 1000 5th St.

Registration is $25 per participant and covers the cost of a noon meal, break refreshments and conference materials. Registration materials are available at all Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension county offices, listed under “county government” in most local directories.

“We ask everybody to pre-register if possible,” New said. “It really does aid our planning. We try to ensure that every conference participant has the best possible experience and walks away with greater awareness and understanding of what he or she realistically can do to enhance his or her operation.”

Justin Talley, OSU Cooperative Extension entomologist, will provide the latest insights about external parasite control for the cow herd.

Ted McCollum, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, will detail key considerations about merging supplemental nutrition with pasture conditions to promote optimal animal performance.

David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension livestock marketing specialist, will showcase what producers can expect relative to 2014 cattle markets.

Stan Bevers, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agricultural economist, will lead a session about new insurance products for cattle producers.

Jason Pace, OSU Cooperative Extension agricultural economist, will detail important management considerations relative to evaluating female replacement alternatives for the herd.

Tom Hairgrove, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program coordinator for livestock and food animal systems, will share insights about what every cattle producer should know about biosecurity concerns and management.

Industry sponsors will have products on display as part of the conference trade show.

Anyone seeking additional information should contact his or her county Extension office or the OSU Southwest District Area Extension Office at 580-255-0546.