- Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, adam.russell@ag.tamu.edu
- Contact: Lee Dudley, 903-693-0380, jldudley@ag.tamu.edu
CARTHAGE – Beef cattle and forage producers can learn about everything from winter pasture options to herbicide applications at the annual East Texas Forage Conference Aug. 25 in Carthage, coordinators said.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Gregg, Harrison, Panola, Rusk and Upshur counties have teamed with sponsors and the Texas Beef Council to provide the educational program.
The event will be 9 a.m. to mid-afternoon at the Carthage Civic Center, 1702 S. Adams St. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost is $15 by Aug. 18 and $25 after. Lunch is provided.
To preregister, go to https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/forage.pdf.
Lee Dudley, AgriLife Extension agent for Panola County, said the event will provide producers access to scientists and professionals with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields.
Dudley said producers should attend to learn the latest best recommendations that can help operations add pounds to winter calves, cut costs on herbicides in pastures and market cattle to optimize profits.
“Every year we have some of the best speakers from around the state and U.S. to inform our producers of the critical need to continue evolving their production programs for future market trends, whether they’re a small producer or large operation,” he said. “There is always a need to look to the future in the beef cattle market, and this program will provide practical, real-world information producers can apply to their operations to help their bottom line.”
Topics and speakers include:
– Clover and Ryegrass Utilization in a Winter Pasture Program — Dr. Gerald Smith, Texas A&M AgriLife Research legume and grass breeder in Overton.
-Pasture Herbicide Updates – Clint Perkins, AgriLife Extension agent, Wood County.
-Adding Value to Beef Cattle – Brian Cummins, order buyer and retired AgriLife Extension agent, Van Zandt County.
-Texas Beef Council Updates – Richard Wortham, executive vice president for the Texas Beef Council in Austin.
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gerald Evers, a retired AgriLife Research forage management scientist, Overton, will follow the speakers at 1:30 p.m. The panel will include Dwyatt Bell, Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization, Sulphur Springs; Daniel Brandstadt, 7X Cattle Company ranch foreman, Winona; Paul Griffin, partner at Iron Farms and Griffin Ranch, Kilgore; and Russ Williamson, Skyhawk Brangus, Tyler.
Two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing credit units, one general and one laws and regulations, will be available to attendees.
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