AMARILLO- There’s a new tradition heading up the educational programs being offered at this year’s Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show. On Dec. 2, the first annual Panhandle Beef Conference will provide a forum for area farmers and ranchers to discuss topics ranging from forage production to livestock identification concerns.
Texas Cooperative Extension’s Panhandle Beef Advisory Committee planned and organized the recent addition to Extension’s education programs, a long time tradition during farm show week.
“Crop prices are a real concern for area producers right now,” said Leon Church, Extension agricultural agent in Potter County. “Cattle prices are up and we’re seeing a nod toward replacing row-crop acres with irrigated pastures.”
Registration for the symposium will begin by 9 a.m. in the Heritage Room of the newly expanded Civic Center complex. A $5 fee will cover lunch.
The conference features concurrent sessions on such topics as wheat and small grain forage production, irrigated pastures, and warm- versus cool-season grasses, including Bermuda varieties. Also on the agenda are presentations on carcass-based marketing, and issues involving the proposed Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) of livestock.
Contact Leon Church at the Extension office in Amarillo by phone (806) 373-0713, or email:l-church@tamu.edu for additional details.
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