COLLEGE STATION – The 56th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, is scheduled Aug. 2-4 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
A wet spring and a historic rebound in cattle prices have spurred optimism among ranchers across Texas. However, a fairly dry April has some beef producers concerned that they are heading into another drought, said Dr. Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator.
“The long-term cattle market outlook and preparing for the next drought are just two of the many topics that will be discussed in the 21 different cattleman’s college sessions at the short course,” Cleere said.
“Planning committee members from around the state have met with us and helped us put together another outstanding program. The short course has become one of the most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S.”
The cattleman’s college portion of the three-day short course provides participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch, Cleere said.
“These concurrent workshops will feature information on ranch management, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, pastures, carcass evaluation, record keeping, brush busting, cattle handling, landowner issues and much more,” he said.
In addition to classroom instruction on Aug. 2-3, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 4.
“There will be demonstrations on chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning, selection and brush busting,” Cleere said. “These provide an opportunity for ranchers to see beef cattle production practices put to use.”
“The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information that is needed by beef cattle producers, and this year is no exception,” he said.
Participants can receive a pesticide applicator’s license during the short course, and can earn numerous pesticide continuing education units if already licensed, Cleere added.
An industry trade show will be held during the event featuring more than 110 agricultural businesses and service exhibits.
Registration is $140 per person and includes educational materials, a copy of the 600-page Beef Cattle Short Course proceedings, trade show admittance, admission to the prime rib dinner, meals and daily refreshments.
Registration information and a tentative schedule will be mailed to previous participants in June but can also be found on the short course website at http://beef.tamu.edu.
Producers can register online at http://beef.tamu.edu or contact Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931.
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