If you follow the cattle market at all, you’ll know that cattle prices are at historical highs. This market price increase has certainly been reflected in the meat counter at your grocery store.
And beef cattle producers enjoying this increase in prices also face those same high prices when purchasing cattle to expand their herds.
Producers have the opportunity to attend a quality field day that will prepare them for the current market, building their cow herd, and better manage their pastures. The program will be on Friday, April 17 from 9 am to 2 pm.
Held in San Augustine County at the Bennis and Maribel Steptoe Ranch, the program will offer 2 CEUs towards pesticide licenses. Cost is $20, which includes lunch.
The annual event will first address the current market. With cattle prices at historical highs, the first topic of the day will focus on these new economics of the present beef industry. The costs to purchase cows and bulls to grow herds will be discussed by Dr. David Anderson. Anderson is professor and Extension specialist at Texas A&M University. His knowledge of the industry is well respected across the state.
Anderson’s second topic is outside consideration and an outlook on the market. With beef prices at current levels, what impact is that making on input costs? Additionally, Anderson is poised to discuss the long-term market forecast.
Regarding herd development, Dr. Jason Cleere will review selection of bulls and heifers as well as their nutritional development. Cleere is an Associate Professor and Beef Cattle Specialist in the Animal Science Department at Texas A&M.
Cleere is a much sought after speaker as he breaks through pre-conceived notions on cattle selection and can speak the language of cattlemen.
Lastly, pasture development regarding forage development and weed control will be covered. With potential for increased revenue, cattlemen are looking on ways to increase productivity from existing pastures.
The presenter for these topics is Dr. Larry Redmon. Redmon started his Extension career in Texas in the eastern part of the state and is currently a professor and state forage specialist at Texas A&M.
The Steptoe Ranch is located at 3326 CR 332. RSVP is requested by April 13 to prepare for lunch. For more information, call 936-275-3644.
The Pineywoods Cattle Congress is a multi-county program coordinated by Shelby, Panola, Nacogdoches, Angelina and Sabine Counties. This annual event rotates between these counties is always a field day featuring a local beef producer.
