AgriLife Extension’s Big Country Beef Conference in Abilene focused on managing risk  

ABILENE — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Big Country Beef Conference took place Aug. 22 in Abilene at the Taylor County Expo Center grounds. The biennial event, which alternates annually with the wheat conference, is presented by the AgriLife Extension office of Taylor County. 

“The Big Country Beef Conference was very informative and educational for our ag producers,” said Cody Hill, AgriLife Extension agent for Taylor County. “The take-home message from the conference was how to manage risk. Our ranchers need the skills to manage cattle nutrition, leasing, liability, insurance and the forage they grow. I think this beef conference provided them with the tools needed to accomplish these goals.”

The day-long event featured a wide range of speakers and was structured into three sections: industry issues, beef herd management and range management. 

Industry issues covered leasing and liability considerations, livestock risk protection and incorporating Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance into ranch management plans.

Nutritional management and preventative herd health were discussed during the beef herd management portion of the program. 

The range management section included how to integrate brush management in wildlife habitats and balancing rangeland opportunities.

The event attracted over 100 attendees and a half-dozen exhibitors.