Upper Gulf Coast Ranch Expo to feature Program on Pasture Leases, Weed Management

Blair Fannin

The second annual Upper Gulf Coast Ranch Expo scheduled May 13 in Simonton will feature presentations on the basics of pasture leases, according to organizers.

The event, to be held at Twinwood Cattle Co., 4430 Guyler Road, will feature several management topics pertaining to beef cattle production, including sprayer calibration for weed control and a variety of bus tours. Other presentations will focus on forage production and management, weed control and pecan production.

Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide license holders can earn three continuing education credits – one laws and regulations, one integrated pest management and one general.

“Pasture leases are popular among Texas cattle producers and we are anticipating big interest in this topic,” said Dr. Greg Kaase, AgriLife Extension program specialist in risk management, College Station. “We are hoping to educate agricultural producers about this topic and show them the importance of having a written lease in place.”

Cost is $10 by May 9 or $20 for on-site registration. Registration and sponsored booth exhibits open at 7 a.m.

Tiffany Dowell, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist at College Station, will help beef cattle producers understand the finer aspects of pasture leases.

“Specifically, I will go through the basic law of leases, discuss why it is important to have a written lease, and then walk through 12 terms that should be considered when signing a lease,” Dowell said.

At 8:20 a.m., Dr. Pete Gibbs, AgriLife Extension associate director from College Station, will provide opening comments. Fort Bend County Judge Dr. Robert Hebert will also provide opening remarks. At 8:45 a.m., Dr. Levi Russell, AgriLife Extension economist, Corpus Christi, will discuss “Use of Debt to Finance Herd Expansion.”

Following a break at 9:15 a.m., participants will board buses for tour stops featuring Dr. Joe Paschal, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, Corpus Christi, discussing beef cattle management; College Station specialists Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist, discussing forage production and management; Dr. Paul Baumann, AgriLife Extension state weed specialist, weed identification and control; and Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension horticulturalist, discussing pecan production.

Following a noon meal, Dowell will discuss livestock lease agreements/contracts. A representative with the Texas Department of Transportation Department of Transportation will then discuss regulations/laws for hauling livestock and equipment, and what farmers and ranchers need to know in order to be safe and within the law.

Nesbitt will follow with a presentation on alternative horticultural crops including olives, pomegranates and citrus. A pesticide training on laws and regulations session will be given by Melissa Barton with Texas Department of Agriculture.

Source:agrilife.org