2011 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course set for Aug. 1-3

COLLEGE STATION – The 57th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, is scheduled Aug. 1-3 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Historic drought conditions throughout Texas have many cattle producers concerned about the state’s future climate outlook, said Dr. Jason Cleere, AgrLife Extension beef specialist and conference coordinator.

“Our topics this year will fit right into what Texas beef producers are going through right now with regards to dry conditions, herd management, nutrition and what to expect in the coming months,” Cleere said.

Evelyn Browning-Gariss, a historical climatologist, will be the featured speaker during the general session Aug. 1. Browning-Garriss serves as an adviser to cattle producers and financial industries on climate outlook.

“Her outlook presented during the 2006 Beef Cattle Short Course was very accurate, and we thought it was time to gain some insight into the next five years,” Cleere said.

“The long-term cattle market outlook is one of many other 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,” he said. “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 introductory cattle production, management practices in the areas of forage, nutrition and reproduction, record keeping, brush-busting, cattle handling, landowner issues and much more,” he said.

In addition to classroom instruction on Aug. 1-2, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 3.

“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 at least seven pesticide continuing education units if they are 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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