Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Rick Machen, 830-278-9151 ext. 245, rmachen@ag.tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – A panel of grass-fed beef producers providing first-hand knowledge of production practices will be one of several highlights at a grass-fed beef production conference scheduled May 30-31 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
A panel of speakers on the second day of the conference will represent expertise in the areas of animal welfare, production and retailing, said Dr. Rick Machen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist, Uvalde, and conference coordinator.
“Participants will get perspectives from each of these areas, plus they will hear numerous presentations on the fundamentals of the grass-fed business, cattle types and other information,” Machen said.
The panel will feature:
– Andrew Gunther, program director, Animal Welfare Approved.
– Dr. Glenn Rogers, owner of Grassy Ridge Natural Beef, Aledo.
– Pati Jacobs, owner of Bastrop Cattle Company, Bastrop.
– Charlie Bradbury, chief executive officer of Nolan Ryan’s Beef, Huntsville.
The following topics will be discussed: overview of the beef industry; defining natural, grass-fed and organic beef; forage fundamentals; cattle types suited for grass-fed beef; forage-based nutrition for cattle; preventive herd health; cattle handling for wholesome beef; carcass fabrication; consumers and their expectations; marketing a unique product; and economics and sustainability.
A carcass fabrication demonstration will be featured the second day.
Cost is $250 through May 15 and $300 after. Three continuing education credits will be offered to Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicators license holders. To register online, visit https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ and enter keyword “grassfed” or call 979-845-2604.
The conference is presented by AgriLife Extension with funding from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education and the Texas Beef Council.
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