By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) had a presence at the annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course in College Station Aug. 2-4.
This year’s event attracted 1,645 in-person participants and 253 virtual participants from 25 states and nine countries. Over 200 TFB members took advantage of the discounted registration rate available to members.
“Farm Bureau had a booth in the trade show, and we were included as a sponsor during the prime rib dinner,” Tracy Tomascik, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “We wanted to connect with members and potential members during this educational beef event.”
The industry trade show had 128 exhibitors, including TFB.
One of TFB’s new Doorways to Agriculture trailers was on display. The mobile trailer features games and activities that encourage adults and children to learn more about agriculture.
“This was an opportunity to show others in agriculture some of our traveling educational exhibits and how membership dollars are used to communicate about agriculture,” Tomascik said.
Through the short course, ranchers learned more about managing their bottom line, risk management tools that are available and the impacts of consumer changing demographics on beef.
“This program directly impacts producers and the beef cattle industry, equipping them with knowledge, tools and resources to improve, adapt and grow their operations to meet ever-changing industry/consumer needs,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science and conference coordinator.
Risk management tools available to ranchers include the Livestock Forage Program, Livestock Risk Protection and the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage insurance.
Consumer preferences have resulted in changes to production for farmers and ranchers, including alternative proteins, political actions in other sates and climate conversations.
“We won’t stop the demographic changes that are happening around us, but we have to be mindful of what they are and stay engaged,” said Bart Fischer, Ph.D., co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center in the Texas A&M University Department of Agricultural Economics. “Take care of your operation, but be involved and help educate others.”
The program included several hands-on demonstrations and presentations by 65 speakers.
For more information about the Beef Cattle Short Course, visit beefcattleshortcourse.com.