Emily posted on December 05, 2011 12:47
In the interest of opening new markets, San Jose Cattle Company hosted a group of cattle breeders and government agricultural officials for an informational program and tour. Eliseo Leija, a long time customer of San Jose genetics, helped to coordinate the group coming from Mexico which included cattle producers from the states of Coahuila and Tamaulipas, Mexico. Also in attendance were members of SAGARPA, the office of the Secretary of Agriculture Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Feeding.
Participants were given the opportunity to see firsthand how purebred and stocker cattle were managed on the ranch. They observed the facilities used to process cattle and what measures are taken to ensure that the stocker cattle survive their time in South Texas. They were also given the opportunity to view and evaluate the purebred Santa Gertrudis and Texas Longhorn herds and learn about the different decisions that are involved in producing a quality calf and the nature in which the cattle are surviving in the severe drought conditions facing the area.
Throughout the day there were opportunities for participants to visit with the tour hosts and each other to discuss and share ideas that they might be able to implement in their own operations in Mexico. They were also able to learn about the available government assistance that could help them to secure genetics for their operations from United States producers.
The group also visited the King Ranch Feedlot, where SGBI Executive Director John Ford made a presentation about SGBI marketing programs.
This event helped to get producers on both sides of the border communicating with the potential for new opportunities for both sides on the horizon.