Thursday Live Demonstrations
 Equipping Your Horse To Fit Its Needs And Yours
It's important that you keep the horse and task in mind as you decide what equipment to use on your working horses. Make sure the equipment fits your horse properly and that you've got the right equipment to get the job done.
 AI & Palpation Techniques
Join experts from ABS Global, Inc. as they discuss the benefits of artificial insemination (AI) and palpation. They will also emonstrate these techniques using one of their mobile breeding barns that are available for public use.
Equipment Features, Pros & Cons
 Get a first-hand look at different types of equipment. You'll have the chance to see and work different types of equipment and learn the differences in each one.
Determining Plant Value
 Pros from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will be on hand to help you identify plants and discuss the nutritional value for cattle. This is especially important during a drought as pastures are struggling and plants are scarce.
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Friday Classroom Sessions
Drought Opportunities: Are There Any?
Speakers: Dr. Deke Alkire and Chuck Coffey, Noble Foundation
Are you seeing only the negative effects of drought? You may be surprised to know that there are many opportunities to improve your operation following a drought.
- Select the best genetics for rebuilding your herd.
- Have pastures better than they were before the drought.
- Develop a proactive plan to prepare for the next drought so you'll be ahead of the curve.
Avoid Ranching Wrecks
Speakers: Gerald Hobson, DuPont Crop Protection; Frank Helvey, rancher
Have you ever made a mistake in ranching? These ranchers have. Hear firsthand from successful cattle raisers about their mistakes and how you can avoid repeating them.
- What can happen and how bad it can be?
- How to avoid it.
- How to find a way out once it happens.
The Consumer Mindset: A Look at Consumers' Evolving Expectations of Beef
Speaker: Kevin Johnson, Merck Animal Health
Without beef consumers, there would be no market for your cattle. Learn about new research being conducted to better understand what consumers respond to and how that can affect your communication with them.
- Who are your consumers?
- Where do consumers get their information and who do they want to hear it from?
- What terminology resonates with consumers?
The Changing Landscape of the Cattle Industry: Technology Rules
Speaker: Tim Peart, Micro Beef Technologies
There are many new technologies available for you to utilize. How do you sort through them all and determine what makes sense for your operation?
- Recognize technology as a tool.
- Evaluate the tools in terms of application on your operation.
- Develop a plan to implement technologies that can benefit you.
You Have the Land, Use It to Make More Money
Speakers: Miles Phillips, TAMU Nature Tourism and Bob Lusk, Pond Boss
Have you ever thought about utilizing your land for more than just cattle, but don't know how to get started? There are many ways to diversify your business using the resources you already have available.
- Use outside-the-box options.
- How do I get started?
- Explore how alternative revenue sources can interact with and complement your cattle operation.
Keeping It All Balanced
Speaker: Dr. Bob Fetsch, Colorado State University
Not enough hours in the day? Your stress levels can often be overlooked and written off as a part of the job. However, when you proactively manage your time and stress you will find that you are able to balance the pressures of your cattle operation and become a more effective business person.
- How does stress affect you?
- Identify the stressors in your life that can be removed or managed.
- Develop a time management plan.
Advanced Genomics: The Best of the Best
Speakers: Dustin Dean, Sexing Technolgies and Roger Wann, ABS Global
Genetics are the foundation of your herd. There are many options out there for you to become better informed about the genetic makeup and potential of your cow herd.
- How does genetic data correlate to live animal development?
- Discover new genomic technology and how you can utilize available data.
- Develop a cost-effective implementation plan for gathering and using genetic information.
Ranch Accounting and Taxes: What's Essential
Speakers: Wayne Garrett, CPA, Garret and Co.
Overwhelmed by accounting and taxes on your ranch? Your record keeping system is necessary for your business to run profitably and legally.
- Learn what records are necessary.
- Discover ways to simplify your record keeping and taxes.
- Identify places where you might be missing out on opportunities.
Water, Water, Water
Speaker: Bob Lusk, Pond Boss
Stock tank or pond? No matter what you call it, managing water for your livestock is essential to your success in the cattle business. If you plan before you dig, you will have a better chance of getting a sustainable stock tank (or pond) that can be utilized for many years.
- Determine location, soil make-up, size and depth.
- Establish essential plant life.
- Maintain an existing water source.
Grazing Out of the Drought
Speakers: Dave Pratt, Dr. Kelley Reyna; Dr. Richard Teague
It's no news to Texans that drought presents extreme challenges. It affects land, livestock, wildlife, money and people. In this practical and timely workshop, participants will learn tools and tactics that professional ranchers on four continents have used to survive the challenges and even take advantage of the opportunities that drought creates. Workshop participants will outline a plan for their own ranches that identifies strategies to "drought proof" their businesses, tactics to manage through severe drought and steps to recover once the drought has broken.
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