By: Blair Fannin
The 64th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 6-8 at Texas A&M University in College Station will highlight a cattle market outlook as well as issues affecting beef producers.
The short course is the largest beef cattle educational event in the country and attracts more than 1,600 beef cattle producers from Texas and abroad, according to organizers. The short course is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the department of animal science at Texas A&M.
“Several factors are impacting our cattle producers across Texas including dry conditions over many of the regions,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, coordinator and AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in College Station. “We will have a weather outlook, plus a comprehensive cattle market outlook that producers can use to determine their marketing plans for the next year.”
An added component to the front of this year’s short course is the Ranch Horse workshop on Aug. 5 for beef short course registrants. Cost is $50 at the door for those not registered for the beef short course.
The day-long program will feature AgriLife Extension experts and topics that include equine nutrition, hay and pasture management, and routine health maintenance. There will also be a presentation on the history of the King Ranch. For more information, call 979-862-5980.
The short course also features 22 sessions covering basic practices, new technologies and other important industry topics. These sessions provide participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch.
“Concurrent workshops will feature information on forage and beef cattle management, health, nutrition and reproduction, record keeping, genetics, purebred cattle and much more,” Cleere said.
In addition to classroom instruction, participants can attend one of the program’s popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 8, he said.
“There will be demonstrations on live cattle handling, chute-side calf working, brush management, fence building, tractor safety and beef carcass value determination,” Cleere said.
“The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information needed by beef cattle producers. We have information everyone can take home and apply to their operations.”
Participants can earn at least nine Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide continuing education units if they are already licensed, Cleere added.
An industry trade show, featuring more than 130 agricultural businesses and service exhibits, will also be held during the event.
“And the famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner is always a highlight of the short course,” Cleere said.
Registration is $210 and covers all meals, including the prime rib dinner, breaks and printed materials. To register, go to https://beefcattleshortcourse.com/.
