COLLEGE STATION – Whether a novice or veteran beef producer, there's something of interest for everyone at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, organizers said.

The short course, which takes place Aug. 7-9 at Texas A&M University in College Station, will offer 17 educational sessions.

"It's shaping up to be one of the largest short courses ever," said Dr. Jason Cleere, Texas Cooperative Extension beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator.

The three-day program is sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension. Many changes and innovations are being introduced to the beef industry and this year's program highlights many of them, said Dr. Larry Boleman, assistant deputy vice chancellor and conference director.

"One of the most exciting aspects of the short course each year is the Cattleman's College," Boleman said. Participants in Cattleman's College can select from more than 60 hours of beef cattle instructional training through seminars, workshops and demonstrations taught by more than 50 different speakers this year.

Traditionally, the Wednesday morning sessions provide hands-on demonstrations for participants, Cleere said. This year there will be several live animal demonstrations to choose from that morning.

"Selecting top-quality cattle is one of the most effective ways to improve profitability in a cow-calf operation," said Paul Maulsby, Texas A&M University Beef Center Manager. "Many new genetic-selection technologies are available, but visual selection is still an important aspect in identifying top-quality cattle."

Maulsby will demonstrate for participants how to select their next herd bull or set of replacement females. Gathering cattle with the help of working cow-dogs, along with basic beef cattle behavior principles, will be outlined at the cattle-handling session. Low-stress and practical cattle handling will be the focus of both demonstrations.

Producing quality beef is the goal of most cattle producers, said Rich Machen, Extension beef cattle specialist.

"The chute-side demonstration to be held at the TAMU Beef Center will focus on processing procedures that improve calf value and more importantly improve the quality of calves produced on the ranch," he said. Proper vaccination techniques, dehorning and castration also will be demonstrated at the center.

Other topics to be covered on Wednesday include beef carcass value determination and maintaining production and financial records. There also will be the opportunity to obtain a private pesticide applicator's license.

Short course registration is $120 per participant if registered by July 31. This includes admission to the conference, a copy of the short course proceedings (a 300-page publication), trade show admittance, tickets to the special Aggie prime rib dinner and additional meals and refreshment breaks.

There also will be opportunities to obtain five pesticide continuing education units and several Beef Quality Assurance credits.

For online registration or other information, visit http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ or call 979-845-6931.