Cattle producers looking to pick up the latest science-based updates that promote effective management practices should register now to attend the July 31 Cattle Trails Wheat and Stocker Conference in Wichita Falls, Texas.

The conference is a collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Its purpose is to help cattle owners and operators drive their animals to profit.

“New ag policy, market volatility and tough times in the feedlot industry stand to potentially have significant effects on cattle producers seeking to make the best production and economic decisions possible for their specific operations,” said Bob LeValley, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension area livestock specialist.

The 2012 conference will take place at the Multi-Purpose Events Center, located at 1000 5th St. in Wichita Falls. The conference will begin at 8:15 a.m. and finish at approximately 2:15 p.m. Cost is $25 per participant, which will include a luncheon meal, refreshment breaks and proceedings of the topics discussed at the conference.

To register, producers should contact their local Cooperative Extension county office. Anyone seeking additional information should contact LeValley through the Southwest Area OSU Cooperative Extension Office in Duncan at 580-255-0546.

“Although pre-registration is not required, we ask that participants do so if possible as it greatly aids in our ability to ensure sufficient numbers of meals, refreshments and conference materials are on hand,” LeValley said.

Conference topics will include sessions on the general economic outlook and the influence on agricultural policy, management strategies for bull calves, current challenges faced by the feedlot industry, wheat and cattle markets, and a wheat production update.

Sessions will be led by Dr. J.P. Pollreisz, a veterinarian with Pfizer, Inc.; Paul Coleman, chief operating officer of Frontera Feedlot, Muleshoe, Texas; and experts from OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Texas A&M University.