New technology, herd management practices part of 2010 Beef Cattle Short Course
COLLEGE STATION - Basic beef cattle production tools and the latest technology available to ranchers will be showcased at the 56th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled August 2-4.
(Media-Newswire.com) - COLLEGE STATION - Basic beef cattle production tools and the latest technology available to ranchers will be showcased at the 56th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled August 2-4. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service sponsors the three-day short course on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station.
"Each year at the conclusion of the beef cattle short course we ask participants how we can make it better the next year," said Dr. Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator. "One question asked is if participants feel like they will be able to use some of the information from the short course to improve ranch profitability. Ninety-six percent indicated that it would improve profitability. Ninety-nine percent of the 2009 participants said they would recommend the course to others. We’re shooting for 100 percent this year."
The cattleman's college part of the short course will feature more than 20 different four-hour educational sessions, covering a variety of different topics affecting ranchers.
"The cattleman’s college allows participants to choose the topics that are most important to their ranch and personalize short course educational program according to their needs," Cleere said. "From the novice beef cattle producer to the most experienced rancher, there will be beef cattle information for all at this short course."
Whole-herd health management, selecting your next bull or replacement females, cattle nutritional needs, crossbreeding systems and safe cattle handling are just a few of the topics in the basic ranch management category, he said.
"For the more seasoned ranchers there will be discussions about DNA technology, fine-tuning your replacement heifer program, advanced marketing strategies, business management and many others," Cleere said.
"In addition to cattle management, there will be a number of sessions dedicated to economical forage management, weed management, brush control and grazing management. The sustainability of the ranch as well as our land resources depends on how well native or improved forages are managed."
The short course also will feature a beef cattle market outlook presentation by Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax.
"Successful ranchers are constantly looking into the future and trying to adjust management to take advantage of future opportunities," Cleere said. "Our goal for participants is to take both the basic and advanced information from the short course and practically apply it on their ranch. The last day of the short course will feature demonstrations that apply many of the topics discussed during the first two days."
Participants can receive a pesticide applicator’s license during the short course, and receive at least seven pesticide continuing education units if already licensed. 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 is available at http://beef.tamu.edu or by contacting Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931.
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