WICHITA FALLS – Refocusing after the drought will be the focus of the Cattle Trails Wheat and Stocker Cattle 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 held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MPEC Center, 1000 5th St. 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, said Stan Bevers, AgriLife Extension economist in Vernon.
The slogan of the annual conference is “Driving your operation to profits,” however Bevers said the target for 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 said. “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 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, discussing 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 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 are encouraged to preregister by contacting their local AgriLife Extension county agent, their Oklahoma Cooperative Extension county educator, or Karen Thompson at 940-552-9941, ext. 217 or by email, kethompson@ag.tamu.edu.