AgriLife Extension sets second Sandhills Cattlemen’s Conference
Multi-county event slated for April 12 in Monahans
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected]
Contact: Caleb Eaton, 432-943-2682, [email protected]
MONAHANS – The second annual Sandhills Cattlemen’s Conference has been set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 12 in the Ward County Coliseum south of Monahans on State Highway 18.
The multi-county event is a collaborative effort among the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Ward, Winkler, Loving, Andrews and Ector counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service serving those counties, said Caleb Eaton, AgriLife Extension agent in Ward County.
“This conference will center on topics specific to ranching in Far West Texas,” Eaton said. “We’ve been blessed with good rains over a lot of our normally dry area and much of the information presented will deal with topics relating to that. After the flooding on the Pecos River in 2014, discussions have resurfaced about the growing salt cedar issue along the river. Ranchers are asking about their control options and how to handle the resulting debris.
“Integrating stocker cattle into grazing plans is another area we’ll address as cow/calf operators are interested in that production aspect after the last few wet seasons.”
Individual registration is $30 due by March 28. The fee will include a meal.
One Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit in the integrated pest management category will be offered.
Topics and speakers will include:
– Vaccination Programs for Far West Texas and Stocker Cattle 101, Dr. Bruce Carpenter, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Fort Stockton.
– Natural Resources Conservation Service Updates, Jeremy Rychlik, Natural Resources Conservation Service district conservationist, Monahans.
– Keynote Address: Cattle Industry and Policy Update, Brian McLaughlin, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association board member, Midland.
– Salt Cedar Management on the Pecos River, Dr. Alyson McDonald, AgriLife Extension range specialist, Fort Stockton.
“We’ll also have a conference trade show, and we are currently seeking vendors who provide ranch-related services and products,” Eaton said.
For more information on the conference or the accompanying trade show, call any of the following AgriLife Extension agents: Eaton, Ward County, 432-943-2682; Dena Floyd, Winkler/Loving counties, 432-586-2593; Amanda Necessary, Andrews County, 432-524-1421; or Steve Paz, Ector County, 432-498-4071.
