Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Jason Cleere, 979-845-6931, jjcleere@ag.tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – The 59th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is scheduled Aug. 5-7 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
Weather outlook and a cattle market outlook are two of the featured topics to be discussed during the general session scheduled Aug. 5.
“A lot of producers are wanting to know how long this current market cycle will last and how to go about herd expansion strategies in the future,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station and conference coordinator. “The long-term outlook is one of the many topics that will be featured in the 22 different cattleman’s college sessions at the short course.”
The famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner will be held as part of the 59th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course activities. (Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)
The short course has become one of the largest and most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S., Cleere noted.
The cattleman’s college portion 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, retiring to ranching, management practices in the areas of forage, nutrition and reproduction, record keeping, genetics, purebred cattle, landowner issues and much more,” he said.
In addition to classroom instruction, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 7.
“There will be demonstrations on fence building, chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning and Brush Busters,” 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. We think we have information for everyone to take home and apply to their operations.”
Participants can receive a Texas Department of Agriculture private 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 $160 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, lunches, breakfasts and daily refreshments.
Registration information and a tentative schedule will be mailed to previous participants in May, but can also be found on the short course website at http://beef.tamu.edu.
Producers can also register by contacting Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931.
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