Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course offers youth and adult tracks
Record-high cattle prices, unpredictable weather patterns – including both droughts and floods – and the potential reappearance of the New World screwworm are the underlying themes of the 71st annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course on Aug. 4-6 in Bryan-College Station.
The event is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science.
“A lot of the short course presenters will talk about ways to take advantage of these high cattle prices,” said Jason Cleere, Ph.D., conference coordinator and AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in the Department of Animal Science, Bryan-College Station. “We want to make sure producers know what management steps they can implement now to get every pound from their calf crop.”
New producers, veteran producers and even youth will find three days of best management practice updates and education during the Cattleman’s College and the returning Youth Track, coordinated by the Veterinary Science Certificate Program, VSCP.
Cattleman’s College will include 50 hours of training and 30 courses covering new technologies and hot topics in beef cattle production.
Attendance on the rise amid high cattle prices
Cleere said the event is the largest beef cattle educational event in the world, with participant numbers up 10% over last year. More than 1,600 people have already registered to attend in person, and another group will join through the online offering. The youth track has only a few spots remaining, with a limit of 40 participants.
At a Glance
- Cost is $300 for in-person attendance if registered by July 29; $150 for youth; or discounted virtual attendee rate of $140, using the “virtual20” discount code.
- 50 hours of training and 30 courses
- Go online to register or call 979-314-8507 or email beefcattleshortcourse@gmail.com
The event offers attendees access to a sold-out trade show, with 160 agriculture-related businesses and exhibitors.
Additionally, Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders can obtain up to 12 continuing education units – three in integrated pest management, one in laws and regulations, one in picolinic acid and seven general.
Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available. The cost is $300 for in-person attendance if registered by July 29, and $150 for youth. A discounted virtual attendee rate of $140, using the “virtual20” discount code, is available. Go online to register or call 979-314-8507 or email beefcattleshortcourse@gmail.com for more information.
Keynote speakers address market, weather and New World screwworm
In a year of significant challenges and critical decisions, there are many management decisions cattle producers can make to take advantage of the current high prices, Cleere said. From the classrooms to the chute-side demonstrations to the keynote address, that will be an overarching message.
Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, will kick off the general session with his presentation “High Prices, High Stakes: Can Beef Demand Hold in 2025.”
“Forecasting the Future: What Long-Term Weather Trends Mean for Cattle Producers” will bring Colorado meteorologist Brian Bledsoe to the stage with his long-term outlook.
Clay Mathis, Ph.D., head of the Department of Animal Science, will follow with “Behind Every Steak: A Rancher Committed to Food Safety.”
The general session will conclude with New World screwworm discussions, featuring T. R. Lansford, DVM, deputy executive director with the Texas Animal Health Commission, followed by a panel discussion.
The New World Screwworm Panel: Reflecting on History, Addressing Today and Planning Ahead will include Jim McAdams, rancher and past National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president; Joe Paschal, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock specialist emeritus and ranching and genetics consultant; Alberto Banuet, Ph.D., a rancher from Yucatan, Mexico, and Ron Gill, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock specialist and professor in the Department of Animal Science.
Training the next generation of beef cattle producers
The VSCP Youth Track will include a tour of 44 Farms, a bovine anatomy demonstration, Beef Quality Assurance training, a session with Pete Wunderlich, DVM, from the Washington Animal Clinic, and hands-on injection site training.
The 30-seat limit from last year has been expanded to 40 registrants; however, the popular program is filling up quickly, said David Sessum, VSCP program manager.
“Each year our goal is to provide youth with an opportunity to connect with industry leaders and become educated consumers of both the beef cattle and veterinary industries,” Sessum said. “Our program evolves every year to help our attendees with career and college interests, livestock contests and insight into the beef industry.”
Related events
The famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner is an annual attraction for many return attendees. It will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3 and has become a legendary part of the Short Course.
A Ranch Horse Program will be offered on Aug. 4 at the Hildebrand Equine Complex. Registration is included with the full Beef Cattle Short Course registration. Registration for the ranch horse program only is $60.
Also, veterinarians can earn up to 32 hours of continuing education credits during the Veterinary Continuing Education Program on Aug. 2-3 in the Texas A&M Beef Center and Animal Reproductive Biotechnology Center and throughout the Beef Cattle Short Course.
