Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
BRADY – The Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the Texas Beef Council will conduct a Beef Quality Assurance training program from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. May 15 at the Heart of Texas Event Center located at 804 San Angelo Highway in Brady.
“The whole purpose of this training program is to help cattlemen produce safer, more wholesome beef products,” said Vance Christie, AgriLife Extension agent in McCulloch County. “The bottom line is better beef management practices help deliver a better meal to the consumer.”
Christie said the Texas Beef Quality Producer Training is a half-day session that allows producers to become Beef Quality Assurance or BQA trained.
The training topics will include industry updates, recordkeeping, environmental stewardship, proper management practices, genetic selection, cattle handling, culling, vaccination programs and drug use.
“Producers are finding themselves in uncharted territory as they are faced with management and restocking decisions following the record drought of 2011,” Christie said. “Utilizing the principals taught in the BQA trainings allow producers to incorporate best management practices that will produce an animal that is more consistent and of higher quality and so is better accepted by the general public as the beef industry moves forward.”
While there is no cost for participants, they are encouraged to RSVP by May 14 so an accurate meal count can be made. RSVP to the AgriLife Extension office in McCulloch County at 325-597-1295 or 1-800-242-7820.
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