19th North Central Texas Cattleman’s Clinic set for Thursday in Graham

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November 5, 2012

19th North Central Texas Cattleman’s Clinic set for Thursday in Graham

Anonymous Mineral Wells Index The Mineral Wells Index Mon Nov 05, 2012, 06:08 PM CST

GRAHAM – Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service invites county and regional cattlemen to the 19th annual North Central Texas Cattlemen’s Clinic taking place Thursday starting at 1 p.m. at the Young County Arena in Graham.

Young County experienced some drought relief last winter and spring but still had to endure a hot dry summer. Such conditions coupled with record cattle prices are not optimal for herd rebuilding. Severe conditions in 2011 required a 30 percent to 40 percent reduction in the county’s cow herd. With dry conditions continuing as the reason, the nation’s cow herd has been reduced to the record low of 29 million head, down from 44 million in 1971. An additional challenge has been added to the cattle industry – record feed prices. These were brought on by drought in the Midwest, which greatly reduced the nation’s corn crop. Economic conditions, drought and high corn prices have changed the mind set of cattlemen from herd expansion to herd management or maintenance.

With these factors in mind the Extension Livestock and Crop Committee has pulled together a set of speakers to address means by which producers can manage their current herd while waiting on the opportunity to retain heifers or expand cow numbers.

New to the Cattleman’s Clinic will be Dr. Jason Banta, extension beef cattle specialist. He will speak on actions that will add productivity and longevity to individual cows as well as the completed herd. Dr. Buddy Faries, extension veterinarian, an often requested clinic speaker, will teach cattlemen means of identifying and treating common cattle ailments on sight at the ranch. Stan Bevers, extension economist, will detail the cattle, corn and wheat markets, as well as give an overview of the total agricultural economy and how it ties into consumer attitudes and ideas.

Two other topics are always on cattleman’s minds: the weather and any herd regulations. Both areas will be covered – long range weather projections and the new herd traceability requirements being set down by Texas Animal Health Commission.

The clinic will provide producers with three hours of TDA continuing education credits and the opportunity to visit with agribusiness representative who are in business to provide tools and solutions for the livestock industry. The meeting will conclude with the traditional steak supper. There is a $10 registration fee for the clinic.

This is a regional event sponsored by Texas A&M Texas Agrilife Extension Offices in Young, Jack, Palo Pinto, Stephens and Throckmorton counties. For more information contact the Young County Extension Office at (940) 540-0737.