Beef Industry Review Will Highlight
March 6 Outlook Conference in Vernon
 
Writers: Tim W. McAlavy, (806) 746-6101, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Stan Bevers, s- bevers@tamu.edu ; or Rob Borchardt, r-borchardt@tamu.edu ; (940) 552-9941

VERNON – Cattle producers can build their short- and long-term perspectives on commodity markets
and prices, current farm bill legislation and marketing techniques by attending the 2002 Ag Outlook Conference slated on March 6.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs in the cattle industry/market during the past two years alone. One goal of this conference is to help provide some perspective on those past movements and take a look at where the industry might be headed in the future,” said Stan Bevers, Texas Cooperative Extension ag management economist. “We will also take a look at other commodity markets, and pending farm bill legislation.”

The conference site is Texas A&M’s Agricultural Research and Extension Center, six miles southwest of Vernon. Registration costs $50 per person, and includes lunch and conference materials. Bevers said participants can pay at the door, but he encourages early registration to guarantee both lunch and a set of materials.

This event is part of Extension’s nationally-recognized Master Marketer program – which helps producers learn how to market their commodities more effectively.

David Weaber, Cattle-Fax director of research and special projects, will headline the morning program which begins at 9 a.m. Bevers said Weaber will provide a cattle market outlook, and an overview of prospects for the entire livestock sector.

During the afternoon session, Extension economists will cover a wide range of topics, such as:
• Statewide Marketing Club Update, Rob Borchardt-Vernon.
• 2002 Wheat Market Outlook, Mark Waller-College Station.
• Farm Bill Update, Joe Outlaw-College Station.

“We’re really pleased to offer speakers of this caliber as part of our Master Marketer educational series, and as part of our 2002 Outlook Conference,” Bevers said. “If you’re a Rolling Plains ag producer, you will find this information both valuable and interesting.”

On-site conference registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., at the Vernon Center.

Support and sponsorship from the Texas Corn Producers Board; Texas Wheat Producers Board; Texas Farm Bureau; Texas’ State Cotton Support Committee; and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Association help make this Extension event possible.

For more information, or to register in advance, contact your local county Extension office or
Stan Bevers at the Vernon center, (940) 552-9941.