SWEETWATER It’s one down and three to go for this year’s annual Texas AgriLife Extension Service-conducted 2010 Beef Cattle Standardized Performance Analysis or “SPA” workshops.
The dates, times and locations of the remaining three workshops all which have the same curriculum, are:
– May 5, 8:30 a.m. at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Vernon.
– May 20, 8:30 a.m. at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office in Nolan County, Sweetwater.
– June 8, 8:30 a.m. at the AgriLife Extension office in Brown County, Brownwood.
The Standardized Performance Analysis program measures individual operations and compares them to a pool of similar operations, according to William Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist at San Angelo. The resulting information is meant to help producers improve their operations from a strictly business standpoint by learning from others’ experiences.
“Participants will complete an in-depth financial and production analysis of their cow herd, specifically the calves weaned in 2009,” he said.
“This analysis will show them where they currently stand financially,” Thompson said. “Comparing their findings with other operations should help them more easily map out short-and long-term herd goals.”
Participants will be sent forms to organize data before the workshop. Confidentiality of the producer’s data will be maintained, he said.
After the analysis is completed, each participant will get an individual consultation with a specialist certified in the program, and guidance on developing and using the information to measure cow herd performance and cash flow. They will also get a “herd report card” that compares their herd’s performance to other herds. Software and supporting materials will be provided.
“With all the rain and recent good calf prices, it looks like the cattle business is the place to be, but past experience tells us developing a sound ranch plan while promoting overall efficiency will help to ensure more good years to come,” Thompson said.
Event organizers ask participants to register for the workshop they select as early as possible, so they’ll have time to gather and organize the records and data needed to complete the analysis.
For more information and to register contact Thompson at 325-653-4576, w-thompson@tamu.edu or Stan Bevers at 940-552-9941, ext. 231.
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