Beef producers will learn more about the 2024 cattle market outlook at the 62nd Blackland Income Growth Conference Jan. 9-10 at the BASE Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Blvd., in Waco. The event is sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Cost is $25 for the Jan. 9 sessions and includes lunch. Onsite registration begins at 8 a.m. with programming starting at 8:30 a.m. Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units are available. For a list of speakers, session topics and CEUs available, view the complete itinerary and detailed session information online.

“The farming and ranching industry continues to experience economic and environmental hardships,” said Brent Batchelor, AgriLife Extension regional program leader, Stephenville. “With high interest rates and inflation eating away at profit, each decision a producer makes is important. The Blackland Income Growth Conference aims to offer producers actionable solutions to real world problems.”

On the agenda

David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock marketing economist, Bryan-College Station, will give a cattle market update during the beef session. Other sessions will cover grain, land management, horticulture, forage and cotton.

Jason Johnson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist, Stephenville, will be the keynote speaker during the noon lunch program. Youth scholarships will be awarded and the latest equipment will be on exhibit as part of the Mid-Tex Farm and Ranch Show.

On Jan. 10, the BIG Recertification program will be offered for pesticide applicators. Cost is $65 and RSVP is requested by Jan. 3 by calling 254-757-5180 or by email: dana.gerick@ag.tamu.edu or Nicole.kosier@ag.tamu.edu.

The Blackland Income Growth Conference serves as a primer for farmers, ranchers and landowners looking to prepare as they head into a new production year, and assists novice landowners with education and management practices, organizers said.