Cattle Trails Wheat and Stocker Conference set for Aug. 1 in Lawton

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Wheat and cattle producers with operations in Oklahoma and the rolling plains of Texas who are looking to take best advantage of current stocker cattle options should register now to attend the Aug. 1 Cattle Trails Wheat and Stocker Conference in Lawton.

“I’ve had a number of producers express interest in how they might best take advantage of wheat and cattle market prices, which is one of the topics we will be discussing in-depth at the Aug. 1 conference,” said Trent Milacek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension area agricultural economist for the state’s Western District.

Milacek said producers should think of the conference as a “time-is-money investment in one-stop shopping.”

“Participants will be able to listen to and interact with leading experts speaking about the key topics in today’s stocker environment plus get ideas from other producers who are in situations similar to their own,” he said. “That is a beneficial use of a producer’s time and the insights gained can be instrumental in driving their cattle to profit.”

The 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. conference will take place at the Comanche County Fairgrounds Annex Building, 920 S.W. Sheridan Road in Lawton. Cost is $25 per person and includes conference materials, a noon meal and refreshments. To download the registration form, go to http://bit.ly/2rXoJvp. Checks should be payable to OSU Extension.

“Although registration will be accepted at the door, we ask participants to pre-register if possible as it greatly aids our planning and ensures we have sufficient numbers of meals, refreshments and materials on hand,” said Marty New, OSU Cooperative Extension area livestock specialist for the state’s Western District. “We want everyone to have the best experience possible and get the most out of coming.”

Wheat and cattle producers can pre-register by contacting their local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension county office or Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service county office, typically listed under “County Government” in local directories, or by contacting New by phone at 580-255-0546 or by email at marty.new@okstate.edu.

In addition to Milacek, speakers and topics at the conference will include:
● Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in Amarillo, who will lead a session about management methods to increase stocker production;
● Kevin Prizlas, Merck Animal Health territory manager from Bowie, Texas, who will speak about stress management considerations in stockers and weaning calves;
● David Marburger, OSU Cooperative Extension small grains specialist in Stillwater, who will provide the latest insights relative to dual-purpose wheat variety options; and
● Brian Arnall, OSU Cooperative Extension precision nutrient management specialist, who will share the latest research-based information on soil fertility management in a forage or grain operation.

“Participants also will be able to interact with industry representatives who will be displaying products during the event,” New said.

The Cattle Trails Wheat and Stocker Conference is a joint effort by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, with the annual event alternating between Oklahoma and Texas.

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is a state agency administered by OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and one of three equal parts comprising the university’s state and federally mandated teaching, research and Extension land-grant mission.