25 June 2013

3 minute read

North America

“Our U.S. cattle inventory is at levels not seen since the 1950s and we have several topics during the Aug. 5 general session that addresses trends and issues such as market outlook and infrastructure changes,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station and conference coordinator.

Don Close, vice president for food and agriculture research with Rabobank, will be one of the keynote speakers during the afternoon general session Aug. 5.

“Close will give an overview of the beef cattle inventory in the U.S. and provide some analysis on beef exports, and how these factors will affect the overall market,” Cleere said.

Also to be discussed during the general session will be a cattle market outlook, how the cattle industry will look over the next 10 years, and infrastructure changes that have occurred and may occur because of reduced cow numbers.

Brian Bledsoe, who provides weather forecasts and commentary for the Southern Livestock Standard, will provide a weather outlook during the Aug. 5 general session. Bruce Vincent, a logger and motivational speaker from Libby, Mont., will presents “With Vision, There Is Hope for Ranchers.”

The short course has become one of the largest and most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S., Cleere noted.

The cattleman’s college portion provides participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch, Cleere said.

“These concurrent workshops will feature information on introductory cattle production, retiring to ranching, management practices in the areas of forage, 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. 7.

“There will be demonstrations on fence building, chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning and Brush Busters,” 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 receive a Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator’s license during the short course and can earn at least seven pesticide continuing education units if they are already licensed, Cleere added.

An industry trade show will be held during the event, featuring more than 110 agricultural businesses and service exhibits.

Registration is $160 per person and includes educational materials, a copy of the 600-page course proceedings, trade show admittance, admission to the “Aggie Prime Rib Dinner”, lunches, breakfasts and daily refreshments.

Registration information and a tentative schedule was mailed to previous participants in May, but can also be found on the short course website at http://beef.tamu.edu.