By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter
Whether you’re new to ranching or a longtime landowner, there’s something for everyone in the spring session of Ranch Management University.
The weeklong, intensive course is slated for April 2-6 in College Station.
“We try to cover everything there is,” Matt Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program specialist, said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Radio Network. “We do soil chemistry, soil fertility and an introduction to soils. We branch out from there, and we bring in animal science specialists. We talk about beef cattle. We talk about breeds, stocking rates and nutrition for livestock.”
Grazing management, wildlife management, pond management and basic livestock management practices—like castrating and vaccinating calves—will also be discussed.
The course will also include demonstrations on how-to sample soils, plant, calibrate sprayers and inoculate legume seed.
Ranch Management University is held twice a year and is capped at 55 participants to allow plenty of interaction.
Cost is $500 and includes meals, snacks and a workbook with all presentations.
“Just right off the bat, they have a huge book with tons of information, and then hundreds of publications, digitally, on a flash drive. Not to mention, all of our contact information is included. So, if they come up with a question somewhere down the road, we’re that resource. They’re more than welcome to email and call us anytime,” Brown said. “We will do our best to answer that question.”
The course begins at 12:20 p.m. April 2 and concludes at noon April 6.
“I know it can sound like it’s pretty well tailored to the beginning landowner, the true novice, but we’ve actually started having a few international attendees coming from all over. We’re getting feedback from people who have been in ranching, livestock, hay production and wildlife for generations. They’re coming to try to learn different practices and ways to improve their operation,” Brown said. “You don’t have to just be a beginning (rancher) or novice to come. Everybody seems to be getting something out of this.”
Click here to register. Online registration ends March 23.