Upper Gulf Coast Ranch Expo to Feature Livestock Management, Ranch Bus Tours
By: Blair Fannin, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The second annual Upper Gulf Coast Ranch Expo scheduled May 13 in Simonton, Texas, will feature several management topics pertaining to beef cattle production, including livestock lease agreements, and a variety of bus tours.
The event, to be held at Twinwood Cattle Co., 4430 Guyler Road, will feature bus tours with several Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists discussing beef cattle production, forage production and management, weed control and pecan production.
"We are anticipating a large turnout since this is a regional event," said Dr. Greg Kaase, AgriLife Extension program specialist-risk management, College Station. "Cattle prices continue their record run and many producers are wanting to learn how to capitalize on these high returns. Many of the topics will provide key information they can take home and apply to their own operations."
Cost is $10 by May 6 or $20 for on-site registration. Registration and sponsored booth exhibits open at 7 a.m.
At 8:20 a.m., Dr. Pete Gibbs, AgriLife Extension associate director from College Station, will provide opening comments. Fort Bend County Judge Dr. Robert Herbert will also provide opening remarks. At 8:45 a.m., Dr. Levi Russell, AgriLife Extension economist, Corpus Christi, will discuss Use of Debt to Finance Herd Expansion.
Following a break at 9:15 a.m., participants will board buses for tour stops featuring Dr. Joe Paschal, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, Corpus Christi, discussing beef cattle management/water quality; Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist, College Station, discussing forage production and management; Dr. Paul Baumann, AgriLife Extension state weed specialist, College Station, weed identification and control; and Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension horticulturalist, College Station, discussing pecan production.
Following a noon meal, Tiffany Dowell, AgriLife Extension economist and agricultural law specialist, College Station, will discuss livestock lease agreements/contracts. Nesbit will follow with a presentation on alternative horticultural ideas, which will include olives, pomegranates and citrus. A pesticide training laws and regulations session will be given by Melissa Barton with Texas Department of Agriculture.
The expo will adjourn at 3:30 p.m. For more information about the event, call 281-342-3034.
