COLLEGE STATION – Ranch Management University, scheduled April 12-15 in College Station, is a workshop designed to help new and novice landowners improve their understanding of managing resources on the ranch.

Sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the four-day workshop will address many topics, said Dr. Larry Redmon, workshop coordinator and state forage specialist.

"We introduce them to the basics of soils and soil fertility, plus forage species selection, hay production, weed and brush management," he said. "We also give discussion on winter pasture establishment and utilization, beef cattle breed selection and nutrient requirement."

Feeding strategies for livestock and grazing management strategies will also be discussed.

"And the popular chute-side talk on live-animal handling, demonstrations of vaccinations, dehorning and castration of cattle are also a part of the program,” he said. "An agricultural economist will cover topics including how to plan for profit, how to develop a marketing plan and a look at alternative enterprises. Additionally horses, sheep, and goat production will also be covered."

Texas is a big wildlife state, and "several wildlife management topics are covered ranging from white-tailed deer and turkey management, fisheries management in ranch ponds, and what to do with the feral hog," Redmon said.

Field demonstrations will include learning how to assess body condition scores for cattle, how to collect proper soil and hay samples, and how to assess the fish populations in the pond.

"There will also be a discussion regarding pond weeds and a demonstration on hog trap design," Redmon said. "Breakfast items, lunch, three suppers and all break refreshments will be provided. A resource CD containing over 100 publications covering ranch resource management will also be provided."

Attendance is limited to the first 50 people who enroll. For additional information, contact Redmon at 979-845-4826 or l-redmon@tamu.edu. To register online and to obtain additional information, please go to http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu and type in RANCH MANAGEMENT as key words in the search window.