August 2006 Archives

Electronic records:This year's session has even more interest in electronic record keeping. Terrell Miller of Cattlesoft gave several tips on how to choose the right type of software management tool for your operation. Electronic recordkeeping can be a time consuming task initially, but pays big dividends, especially during tax preparation, Miller said. During tax season, a producer can simply hand over a clean printout of sales transactions for the year to an accountant instead of "plopping down a shoebox full of paper."
Sources of Market Information: Dr. David Anderson, Texas Cooperative Extension livestock marketing economist, gave an informative presentation on finding good sources of marketing information. With multiple sources of print and online sources available to producers, one of the best pieces of advice was for producers to decide on an information source that provides analysis and makes you think.
"You can get covered up pretty quick with all that's our there," Anderson said. "You're going to have to cull through that information and decide what works best for you."
Texas producers will be certain to pay attention to drought monitor maps, he said, one of which NOAA provides.

- BLAIR FANNIN

New federal risk management tools targeting pasture, rangeland and forage production will help offset losses during drought, agriculture officials said Monday.
The rainfall and vegetation index insurance programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency and co-developed by Texas Agricultural Experiment Station rangeland researchers will be available through approved insurance providers.
For more, click here. You can also listen to .mp3 audio.

-BLAIR FANNIN

More than 100 rib rolls were served as part of the famous prime rib dinner served at the short course Monday night.

- BLAIR FANNIN

The 2006 beef short course has attracted 1,500 participants, according to Dr. Jason Cleere, conference coordinator. There are also 100 exhibitors. This year's attendance ranks as the third largest short course in the 52 year history of the event.

- BLAIR FANNIN

Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas Cooperative Extension state forage specialist, shared many strategies on how ranchers can get through the upcoming winter as they face hay shortages, and the prospects of purchasing expensive hay. One of the suggestions was to stockpile forages, such as bermuda, this fall. Another alternative is to plant a small grains crop, such as ryegrass or winter wheat. Clover is another alternative, which sends nitrogen back into the soil. He also stressed to have an analysis taken on purchased hay or hay that is produced on the ranch. This way ranchers will precisely understand the nutrients that are in their hay and can feed supplement accordingly. - BLAIR FANNIN

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