We are currently seeing record beef prices and expect demand and prices to stay strong for the next couple of years. In Comanche County, beef sales were 92.7 million dollars in 2024- that is the highest it has been in my 13-year tenure as the county agent and the highest I can find on historical records. It is also a lot of money that circulates through the county and supports many other businesses. While these higher prices are very nice, we are also seeing an increase in threats to our local producers. Parasites that we had all but forgotten like screwworm and fever ticks, have made a come back in some areas and give us all reason for concern. Diseases can always be a threat and losing just one calf due to improper vaccination programs is very costly.
To help support local beef producers, we will be hosting the Comanche County Beef Program. The program will be held on Thursday, March 20th from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the De Leon City Auditorium. Topics covered will include: “Screwworm, Fever Tick, and other Livestock Parasites” by Dr. Sonja Swiger Professor/ Entomology Extension Specialist- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension; “Vaccination Programs and Protocols for Central Texas” by Dr. Tom Hairgrove, Professor and Extension Veterinary Specialist-Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University; and “Texas Animal Health Commission Disease and Identification Requirement Updates” by our own John Whiteside, Texas Animal Health Commission Inspector.
These are all very important topics with great speakers, and I am certain you will not want to miss the opportunity to learn more about all of them. However, if you are on the fence about giving up an afternoon to participate in this great event, we will be providing an excellent brisket lunch and 1 IPM CEU. All of this and it will not cost you a penny- our great local sponsors will be covering everything. All we ask is that if you plan to come, please give us a call so that we will know how much brisket we will need. Get the program on your calendar and our number is (325)-356-2539.