By Blair Fannin
Historic high prices in the cattle market and future trends will be one of many important topics discussed in-depth at the 2015 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled Aug. 3-5 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
Dr. Darrell Peel, Oklahoma State University livestock economist, will be one of the featured speakers during the general session Aug. 3, discussing the cattle market outlook and current supply/demand factors that beef producers will want to consider in maintaining their own operations.
“High prices certainly have been welcomed among cattle producers here in Texas and abroad,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, conference coordinator and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station. “Many are wondering how long this trend will continue and are evaluating the economics of restocking and/or increasing their herd size. We have several topics throughout this year’s short course that will address these issues and more.”
Other featured speakers during the general session include Brian Bledsoe, chief meteorologist at KKTV-Colorado Springs, who will provide a weather outlook. Dr. Rick Machen, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Uvalde, will discuss hot topics in the beef industry.
The short course is the premier beef educational event in Texas, attracting more than 1,400 attendees annually, Cleere said. The short course features 20 sessions covering basic practices, new technologies and other important industry topics. These sessions provide participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch.
“These concurrent workshops will feature information on introductory cattle production, forage management practices, range management, nutrition and reproduction, record keeping, genetics, purebred cattle, landowner issues and much more,” he said.
In addition to classroom instruction, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 5, Cleere said.
“There will be demonstrations on fence building, chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning and Brush Busters, program on brush management,” Cleere said. “These provide an opportunity for ranchers to see beef cattle production practices put to use.
“The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information that is needed by beef cattle producers. We think we have information for everyone to take home and apply to their operations.”
Participants can earn at least 10 Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide continuing education units if they are already licensed, Cleere added.
An industry trade show will be held during the event, featuring more than 120 agricultural businesses and service exhibits. Cleere said the famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner is always a highlight of the short course.
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