U.S. Rep. Conaway and state Rep. Darby to speak
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. John Walker, 325-653-4576, jwalker@ag.tamu.edu
SAN ANGELO – “Alternative Income Strategies for West Texas Landowners” will be the theme for this year’s 40th Annual Sheep and Goat Field Day set Sept. 5 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.
The center is north of San Angelo on U.S. Highway 87.
A brief registration period is set from 7:30-8:15 a.m., with the program beginning promptly thereafter with legislative updates by U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway of Midland and state Rep. Drew Darby of San Angelo.
“We really look forward to the field day,” said Dr. John Walker, Texas A&M AgriLife Research resident director at the center. “This event gives us a chance to showcase our work here, address issues facing the ranching industry, enjoy a great lunch together and see old friends.
“I feel this year’s program meets all those criteria in a well-rounded but concise way. Along with our legislators’ comments and our research overview, we’ll also cover everything from the lamb market to the oil boom and its effects on the West Texas ranching community.
“One of our guest speakers will also share her thoughts on direct-marketing to consumers from the producer level, which while not unusual in other areas, is rather rare here. Then we’ll top it all off with a complimentary meal courtesy of our commercial sponsors, several of whom will have exhibits set up on the grounds. I think it will be a day well-spent for anybody interested in sheep and goat production or West Texas ranching.”
Field day topics and speakers will include:
– Effects of the Energy Boom on West Texas Land Prices and Taxes, Dr. Rebekka Dudensing, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station.
– The Lamb Market, Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station.
– Ethnic Lamb Consumers: Behaviors and Preferences, Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist, San Angelo.
– Direct Marketing of Meat Products, Marianna Peeler, owner/operator of Peeler Farms, Floresville.
– The Oil Boom: Current Legal Issues Facing Landowners, Dr. Tiffany Dowell, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist, College Station.
– Sheep and Goat-related industry and agency updates.
All the day’s activities should be over by 2:15 p.m. Walker said.
For more information contact Walker at 325-653-4576, jwalker@ag.tamu.edu .
-30-