Comanche Extension Agent Michael Berry
We have two very good programs coming up in the next couple of weeks. For beef producers, despite good prices, it seems like the challenges just continue to get more stressful and threatening. A totally different commodity in the county, beekeeping, is also facing struggles. Beef production in 2025 accounted for sales of nearly $128 million dollars in the county. Beekeeping does of course not create that kind of revenue, but it is an extremely important part of agriculture. A large portion of the crops grown in the county and world require bees for pollination. And I really like good locally grown hone.
The upcoming Cattle Gathering Beef program has been designed to help you get some answers to the tough questions cattle producers are facing. Topics that are now troubling local cattle producers will be discussed and perhaps you can get a little clarity on the future and what actions you might want to take to keep your farm secure and hopefully profitable. Not only that, but we promise you a good meal, and we are not even charging you for all this. This year’s Cattle Gathering will be held Friday, October 30th from 10:00 until approximately 2:30 held in Dublin at “The Station FNB”, 815 North Patrick, Dublin. We have an excellent lineup of speakers and topics. Tyler Mays Texas A&M AgriLife IPM Specialist will be talking about the mealybug and other forage pests. Dr. Dustin Dorris with Texas Animal Health will be giving us a screwworm update, where are they, what do we expect, how we will manage them once we have them in our area. Dr. David Anderson Texas A&M Livestock Economist will be giving us a market outlook and some discussion on everything that is playing a factor in today’s prices. Finally, Weston Siler from Merck Animal Health-Vence will talk about Virtual Fencing Technology. The program will be sponsored by Merck Animal Health-Vence and we will be offering 1 IPM CEU. RSVP would be appreciated.
To help support beekeeping in the area the Comanche County Agrilife Extension office will be hosting a “Beekeeping 101” class. The program is designed for beginners and individuals interested in getting started with beekeeping. Topics will range from honeybee biology, equipment, getting started with bees, basic colony inspections and management, and other foundational topics. It will be an excellent opportunity to get a step ahead of the learning curve for beginners and should offer some additional insight for those that already have hives. Texas A&M Apiculture Specialist Omar Martinez will be presenting the program. The program will be held on Friday November 6th from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the Comanche Community Center. There is no charge for the program.
These will be two excellent programs, if you are interested or would like more information, please give us a call at the County Agents office: 325- 356- 2539.