Writer: Pam Dillard, (806) 359-5401, p-dillard@tamu.edu
Contact: Steve Amosson, (806) 359-5401, s-amosson@tamu.edu
AMARILLO — Helping grain handlers recognize features of grain that determine quality is the focus of two day-long workshops scheduled here May 5-6.
The workshops are sponsored by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service and the Grain Exchanges of Amarillo and Plainview.
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m and each session will open at 9 a.m. and end by 4:30 p.m. at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center, 6500 Amarillo Boulevard West in Amarillo. Preregistration is required. Cost for participating is $35 per person. Space is limited to 70 persons per session.
Topics to be covered include why grain grading is necessary, grain quality and the feedlot industry, current grain standards and expected changes, and a hands- on grain grading workshop.
Grading exercises will involve the three major commodities grown in the area — wheat, corn and sorghum. Inspectors will be serving as trainers. Wheat grading will be conducted during the latter part of the morning workshops. Grading exercises with corn and sorghum will be held in the afternoons.
“This 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 Texas Agricultural Extension Service and organizer of the event.
Speakers include experts in animal nutrition, grain marketing and management economics, and federal agency quality assurance inspectors. Costs of the noon meal, workshop materials and equipment used is included in the registration fee. 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. To pre- register, call Regina Linder in his office.
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