High Markets, Rebuilding Herds Part of Four-State Cattle Conf.

John DavisAgribusiness, Cattle

Experts from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma will get together in December to discuss how livestock producers can take advantage of historically high markets and rebuild herds, among other topics. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is presenting the Four States Cattle Conference, Dec. 10 in Texarkana, Arkansas.

“This is a conference that brings together speakers from four different universities in one location, where producers can gain valuable information in one day that they would have to travel to four states to get otherwise,” [Dr. Brian Triplett, AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Bowie County] said. The conference will be held at the Four States Fairgrounds, 3700 East 50th St., Texarkana, Arkansas.

grandin1Speakers will include: Dr. Temple Grandin, a designer of livestock handling facilities and an animal science professor at Colorado State University; Dr. Paul Beck, University of Arkansas beef cattle nutrition researcher; Dr. Brian Freking, Oklahoma State University regional livestock specialist; Dr. Ryon Walker, Louisiana State University assistant professor of beef cattle at the Hill Farm Research Station in Homer, Louisiana; Stan Bevers, AgriLife Extension economist, Vernon, Texas; Dr. Jason Banta, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist; and Dr. Ron Strahan, Louisiana State University weed management specialist.

Early morning presentations will include “How to Reduce Stress on Cattle During Handling,” Grandin, and “Making Sense Out of Cattle Markets,” Bevers.

Registration is $30, including a barbecue brisket lunch. Those registering for the event by Dec. 1 will be entered into a drawing for a VetGun, a $250 device for delivering insecticide-filled gel capsules to control horn flies and lice on cattle.

To register, send your name, organization, mailing address, phone number and email along with a check or money order payable to “Clark County CES, 640 South 6th St., Suite B, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.”