"Producers in this area are facing major issues from varying fronts. Most obvious is the ongoing drought and its impact on production and commodity prices," says Stan Bevers, Extension ag economist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. He's talking about the need for and opportunity represented by the Cattle Trails Stocker Conference at the Comanche County Fairgrounds Coliseum in Lawton, OK, Aug. 5. The conference is a joint effort between the Oklahoma and Texas Extension programs.

Here's a sampling for the presentations:
• "What’s Going On With The Markets," Bevers.
• "Developing A Cattle Marketing Plan & Outlook," Derrell Peel, Oklahoma Extension livestock marketing specialist.
• "Developing A Wheat Marketing Plan & Outlook," Mark Welch, Oklahoma Extension grain marketing specialist.
• "The Current Agricultural Environment in Washington, D.C.," Joe Outlaw, Texas AgriLife Extension economist.
• "Changes Within Our Cattle and Wheat Operations," producer panel includes: Steve Marten, Holiday, TX; Terry McAlister, Electra, TX; Dennis While, Ninnekah, OK; and Jimmy Kinder, Walters, OK.
The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 5. Registration is $20, which includes materials, proceedings, noon meal and refreshments. Additional information can be obtained at agrisk.tamu.edu.