Agricultural News
Joint Oklahoma Texas Cattle Conference Set for January 15 in Lawton
Mon, 24 Dec 2012 08:47:00 CST
Cattle producers looking to pick up the latest information about drought recovery and its potential effects on their operations should register now to attend the Jan. 15 Cattle Trails Cow-Calf Conference in Lawton.
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 the last few years have been anything but the "best of times" for most cattle producers in drought-stricken areas.
"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. 15 conference - which alternates between Oklahoma and Texas each year - will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Comanche County Fairgrounds' Great Plains Coliseum, located at 920 S. Sheridan in Lawton.
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."
The keynote speaker will be Garrett King, agricultural liaison for U.S. Representative Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, the current House Agricultural Committee chairman. King will share farm bill and related congressional updates as part of his presentation.
Stan Bevers, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agricultural economist, will provide insights into what producers can expect relative to 2013 cattle markets.
Jack LeClair, a range and pasture specialist with Dupont Crop Protection, will detail pasture management considerations for drought recovery and invasive weeds.
Bob Gillen, head of Kansas State University's Western Kansas Agricultural Research Centers, will showcase the effect of the drought on Southern Plains grasslands.
Megan Rolf, OSU Cooperative Extension Beef Cattle specialist, will share the latest information about traits and tools for the retention and replacement of beef heifers and cows.
Dan Hale, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension meat specialist, will provide a virtual tour of a packing plant.
Industry sponsors will have products on display as part of the conference trade show.
Anyone seeking additional information should contact the OSU Southwest District Area Extension Office at 580-255-0546.
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