AMARILLO — Two day-long workshops aimed at helping grain handlers recognize features of grain quality are planned here on May 6 and 7.
The workshops are hosted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service and the Grain Exchanges of Amarillo and Plainview.
The event will be held at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center, 6500 Amarillo Boulevard West in Amarillo. A sign-in registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Each session will open at 9 a.m. and end by 4:30 p.m. Preregistration is required. Cost for participating is $35 per person.
Speakers will include federal agency quality assurance inspectors, a beef cattle nutrition consultant, and agricultural economists specializing in grain marketing. Topics featured include why grain grading is necessary, grain quality and the feedlot industry, current grain standards and expected changes, grain marketing, and elevator grading accuracy research.
“Providing this opportunity for hands-on training helps participants hone their skills and stay abreast of the critical changes to grading standards,” said Dr. Steve Amosson, a management economist with the Extension Service and organizer of the event. Grading exercises will be held for three major commodities, wheat, corn and sorghum.
Wheat grading will be conducted during the latter part of the morning workshops. The afternoons on both days will be devoted to grading exercises with corn and sorghum.
Each event will be limited to 70 participants due to space limitations. The registration fee will include cost of the noon meal, workshop materials and equipment used. Refreshments at the morning breaks will be sponsored by Panhandle Grain and Feed Association.
For more information, contact Amosson at 806-359-5401 in Amarillo. Anyone planning to attend either workshop on May 6 or 7 is encouraged to preregister with Regina Linder in Amosson’s office to reserve a materials packet and a plate for the noon meal.
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