For the fifth time in as many years, Texas and New Mexico Extension agencies will hold their annual “Southwest Beef Symposium.” This year’s meeting is set for Jan.13-14 at the Horseshoe complex in Midland at 2002 Cotton Flat Road.

Dr. Bruce Carpenter, Texas AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist at Fort Stockton, said the symposium is tailored for southwestern beef producers. The event centers on three educational sessions and a trade show. It alternates between locations in West Texas and eastern New Mexico.

“Economics have changed considerably, especially over the past year,” Carpenter said. “And with that in mind, the first session on Jan. 13 will target current world and national issues. We’ll hear Dr. Jason Henderson, executive vice president with the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank, speak on the world energy outlook. We’ll also hear the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s viewpoint of how the new presidential administration may affect the cattle industry.”

AgriLife Extension specialists will also present current grain and cattle market outlooks and how current animal welfare issues are affecting agricultural production practices and marketing.

Jan. 14 activities will focus on feed costs at the ranch, beginning with how input costs balance with herd performance. Other topics will include how to value and best use range forage, research on ways to minimize protein and mineral supplementation, and programs for low-cost heifer development.

The final session deals with beef system efficiency. Topics will include the cost benefits of purchased genetics, cow efficiency and environment, and a look at light- vs. heavy-weight feeder calf performance.

The program will conclude with a panel of local and nationally known ranchers who will discuss operational changes they’ve made to survive rising input costs.

Individual registration is $50 and includes a prime rib dinner, lunch, refreshments and a printed proceedings. For planning purposes, pre-registration by Jan. 3 would be appreciated.

For more information call Carpenter at 432-336-8585 or Clay Mathis at New Mexico State University at 505-646-8022.

A schedule of events, speaker information, registration materials and lodging information can be found at http://cahe.nmsu.edu/ces/swbeef .