Registration is now open for the Central Oklahoma Cattle Conference, a day-long educational and networking event designed to serve cattle producers and agricultural professionals across the region. The conference will be held Friday, Feb. 13, at the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater and is hosted by the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service – Payne County.
The annual conference brings together cattle producers, Extension specialists, industry leaders and agricultural partners for a full slate of timely topics focused on herd management, market outlooks, efficiency and long-term sustainability in Oklahoma cattle operations. In addition to educational sessions, attendees will have opportunities to visit with vendors, explore the trade show and network with fellow producers from across central Oklahoma.
According to organizers, the 2026 conference will emphasize management practices that help producers remain profitable during periods of fluctuating input costs, challenging weather conditions and ongoing market uncertainty. Sessions are designed to provide practical, research-based information that producers can apply directly to their own operations.
“This year’s Central Oklahoma Cattle Conference will focus on important and recommended management practices that will help ensure sustainable cow herds in Oklahoma,” organizers said in conference materials. A trade show featuring up-todate products and services from major agricultural suppliers will also be part of the event.
The conference agenda features a lineup of nationally recognized Extension specialists and industry professionals, including: • Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Livestock Marketing State Specialist • Dr. Brian Arnall, OSU Precision Nutrient Management State Extension Specialist
• Brian Pugh, OSU Forage State Extension Specialist
• Heather Buckmaster, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Beef Council
• Dr. Megan Rolf, Kansas State University Animal Breeding Specialist
• Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, OSU Beef Cattle State Extension Specialist Topics scheduled throughout the day range from cattle market outlooks and fertility management to forage systems, biosecurity, emerging diseases and bull selection.
Registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by a welcome and introductions at 8:30 a.m.. The day begins with a 2026 Cattle Market Reality Check presented by Dr. Derrell Peel. Other scheduled sessions include fertility and nutrient management discussions, updates on agricultural safety, insights into how the beef checkoff works for producers and presentations on biosecurity and herd protection.
A catered lunch and multiple breaks are built into the schedule to allow attendees time to visit the trade show and speak directly with vendors and speakers. The program concludes mid-afternoon with an OSU Extension update and evaluation session.
The registration fee is $25 per person, which includes conference sessions and lunch. Registration and payment must be completed by Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, to guarantee a spot.
Producers and businesses interested in reserving vendor space may do so for $100 per booth, which includes a 10-by-10-foot booth and one meal. Additional meals may be purchased for $25 each. Booth space is limited and will be assigned on a firstcome, first-served basis. Large equipment will not be permitted in the vendor area.
Checks should be made payable to Payne County Extension, with registration materials submitted to the OSU Extension Office at 315 W. 6th Street, Suite 103, Stillwater, OK 74074.
Organizers say the Central Oklahoma Cattle Conference continues to grow as a valuable resource for livestock producers seeking reliable information and meaningful connections within the agricultural community.
“We’re excited to offer another valuable program for the central Oklahoma livestock community,” said Jennifer Patterson, Payne County OSU Extension Educator.
For additional information or questions about registration or vendor opportunities, Patterson may be contacted by email at jennifer.k.patterson@okstate.edu or by phone at 405-747-8320.
