By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
The 64th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is set for Aug. 6-8 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
The short course is the largest beef cattle educational event in the state. It’s hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the department of Animal Science at Texas A&M.
Dr. Jason Cleere, associate professor and AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, said this year’s program has educational information for beginning and experienced ranchers.
The program will consist of 22 sessions covering topics such as basic range management, new technologies, nutrition and reproduction, among others. A cattle market outlook and advanced topics will also be offered.
“We try to provide a high-quality educational program that is based on science and practicality,” he said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.
Although the Beef Cattle Short Course has evolved over the years, Cleere said the objective remains to provide Texas farmers and ranchers with information they can use in their operations.
“Everybody is going to take away something a little different,” he said. “At the end of the day, we want people to go home and have an economic impact on their operation.”
Demonstrations of live cattle handling, chute-side calf working, brush management, fence building, tractor safety and beef carcass value determination will be held in the morning on Aug. 8.
This year, a ranch horse workshop will be held Aug. 5 for beef short course registrants. Cost is $50 at the door for those who aren’t registered for the beef short course. This one-day program will feature topics that include equine nutrition, hay and pasture management, as well as routine health and maintenance. For more information on the horse workshop, contact 979-862-5980.
In addition to the educational components, the Beef Cattle Short Course will feature a large trade show featuring more than 130 agricultural businesses and services.
Although the Beef Cattle Short Course is beneficial to practicing farmers and ranchers, Cleere said there are several opportunities for youth to get involved as well.
A youth-track option will feature a reduced rate for students ages 13-18 to gain insight and leadership opportunities within the beef sector.
Participants can earn at least nine Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide continuing education units if they are already licensed.
Registration is $210 and covers all meals and printed materials. Click here to register.
A tentative schedule of the program can be found at beefcattleshortcourse.com.
Contact Joani Groce at 979-845-8902 regarding registration questions.