ABILENE, Texas — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Big Country Beef Conference is set for August 24 in Abilene.
The biennial conference starts with registration at 7:30 a.m. in the Big Country Hall next to the AgriLife Extension offices at the Taylor County Expo Center, 1982 Lytle Way.
Robert Pritz, AgriLife Extension agent in Taylor County, said this year’s event will focus on the current state of the beef industry, herd management and range management.
“The conference is the largest and most comprehensive educational beef program in our region, known as the Big Country,” Pritz said. “This program typically draws speakers and participants from across Texas.”
Session 1 topics and speakers will include:
- State of the Beef Industry Outlook – Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock economist, College Station
- Livestock Risk Protection Option for Cattle Producers – Tootie Ilse and Jake Surman with Capital Farm Credit, Hondo
- Incorporating Pasture Rangeland Forage Insurance into Your Ranch Management Plan – Bill Thompson, Agrilife Extension economist, San Angelo
- Future of the Beef Industry, Steve Harrison, 44 Farms director of sales, Bryan.
Session 2 topics and speakers will include:
- Nutritional Management, “How Much Should I Feed My Cows?” – Dr. Ted McCollum,
AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, Amarillo - Preventive Herd Health Management – Kevin Johnson, TCU Ranch Management Program assistant director, Abilene
- “Our keynote luncheon speaker will be U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Plainview,” Pritz said. “Congressman Arrington represents the 19th District of West Texas and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture.”
Session 3 topics and speakers will include:
- Integrating Brush Management in Wildlife Habitat – James Jackson, AgriLife Extension
range program specialist, Stephenville - Alternative Wildlife Enterprises – Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, San Angelo
- Herbicide Laws and Regulations – Kyle Thompson, Texas Department of Agriculture inspector, Abilene
Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units, one integrated pest management, one laws and regulations and one general, will be available for agricultural pesticide applicator license-holders.
Individual registration is $10 by August 18 and $20 thereafter. Registration includes the entire program and noon meal. For more information or to preregister contact the AgriLife Extension office in Taylor County at 325-672-6048.
—Steve Byrns
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension San Angelo
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