Demonstrations part of Beef Cattle Short Course in August Brush control, cattle working among planned course demonstrations

COLLEGE STATION – From brush control on the ranch to cuts of beef sold to the consumer, the 2010 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course will provide a number of beef cattle-production demonstrations Aug. 2-4 in College Station.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service sponsors the three-day program, which will be held on the Texas A&M University campus.

“One of the most exciting aspects of the short course each year is the cattleman’s college,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, conference coordinator and AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist. “There are 20 different Cattleman’s College educational sessions, which will have a mix of information, addressing current beef industry issues and providing fundamental information on basic beef cattle and ranch management.”

On Aug. 3, beef cattle specialists and animal health officials will give an overview of the cattle-tick program activities.

“Even if you are not in the quarantine zone, you need to understand the impact of this pest,” Cleere said.

An overview of the history of the fever tick, its current management program and, economic impact, plus other topics will be discussed.

The Aug. 4 sessions take some of the information that was provided during the first two days of the short course “and demonstrate how it can be applied in working cattle operations,” Cleere said.

“There will be demonstrations on brush control, cattle selection, cattle handling, vaccinating cattle, business management and cuts of beef,” he said.

A tour of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine will also be offered “so that participants can see some of the latest technology that we have in livestock care,” he added.

“Participants will also have an opportunity to receive a private pesticide applicator’s license on Wednesday,” Cleere said.

Training will occur before lunch on Aug. 4 and the certification test will be at 1 p.m.

Short course registration is $140 per participant (by July 26, and includes admission to the conference, a copy of the short-course proceedings get rid of this open parenth (a 600-page reference book), trade show admittance, tickets to the special Aggie prime rib dinner, and additional meals and refreshment breaks.

Attendees can earn at least seven pesticide continuing education units, 15 veterinary credits and numerous Beef Quality Assurance credits.

For more information or to register, go online at http://beef.tamu.edu , or contact Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931 or email jjcleere@tamu.edu .

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