Friday, September 26, 1997

Agriculture 2000 meeting slated for Abilene

By J.T. Smith / Abilene Reporter-News

The future of agriculture is uncertain.

An Extension Service-sponsored conference will examine the possibilities, beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 8 in the Abilene Civic Center.

Taylor County Extension Agent Gary Bomar says attendees will wrestle with the ag policy meeting's theme: "What Will Agriculture Be Like In Year 2000?"

Dr. Ed Smith, Texas A&M Extension economist, will tackle the current federal farm law that governs ag policy through 2002. His talk will include a detailed explanation of the ongoing 7-year farm law commonly known as the 1996 Farm Act. Smith focus his remarks on "Crisis or Opportunity?"

The specialist from College Station also will look at risk management and the impact the farm law may have on agribusiness and farmers in the Abilene region.

Dr. Ken Stokes, agricultural economist in management, will give a presentation on "Tools for Risk Management." This will include options which agribusinesses and producers can use in the development of management plans in the future.

Following a lunch break, A&M Ag Economist Stan Bevers of Vernon will discuss the "Master Marketer Program." This is an educational effort aimed at helping producers market their production more effectively.

Dr. Smith will return in the afternoon session to look at the implications of the Conservation Reserve Program.

The registration fee is $10 until Oct. 2. After that date, or at the door, the registration is $15.

For more information, or to register, call the Taylor County Extension Service office at 674-1321.

Hereford sales around the corner

It's the time of year for bull sales.

The Concho Valley Hereford Association's 51st Annual Bull Sale is 12:30 p.m. Monday at Producers Livestock Auction Co. at 1131 N. Bell in San Angelo.

Stanley Stout, auctioneer from Linwood, Kan., will sell the bulls.

Some 67 bulls will be offered by 18 top-notch consignors to this sale.

For more, you can call association secretary Jimmy Don Davidson at (915) 378-4027.

The Dudley Brothers' 36th Annual Bull Sale is Oct. 23 at the ranch headquarters two miles west of Comanche on Highway 67-377.

An 11 a.m. lunch precedes the high noon sale offering 125 bulls -- 2-year-olds or coming 2-year-olds.

Ruben Reyes of San Antonio will be on the auctioneer's podium.

For more about the bulls, you may call John Dudley at (915) 356-2284, or Fax (915) 356-3185.