News Summary
The 71st Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course will take place from August 4-6, focusing on critical issues in the beef cattle industry. With over 1,600 participants registered, the event will feature training sessions, a sold-out trade show, and educational opportunities for veterinarians. Key topics include management strategies for calf production amid challenges like droughts and the New World screwworm. The event will also celebrate with a Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner and a Ranch Horse Program.
Bryan-College Station, Texas – The 71st annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is set to take place from August 4-6, 2023, raising awareness about pressing issues in the beef cattle industry, including record-high cattle prices and unpredictable weather patterns. The event is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service along with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science.
This year’s short course emphasizes the importance of management strategies to maintain and maximize calf crop production amid challenges such as droughts, floods, and the potential resurgence of the New World screwworm. Organizers report a 10% increase in attendance from the prior year, with over 1,600 registered participants and additional online attendees expected to join in.
As part of the program, the Cattleman’s College will deliver approximately 50 hours of training across 30 courses, addressing new technologies and current trends in beef cattle production. The youth-focused initiative, the Youth Track, offers hands-on experiences tailored for aspiring producers. This segment is currently nearing its full capacity of 40 participants.
The event will also feature a sold-out trade show, which will host 160 agriculture-related exhibitors, showcasing the latest advancements and products in the industry. Moreover, participants with a Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license can earn up to 12 continuing education units during their attendance.
In-person registration is available for $300 until July 29, while youth registration is set at $150, and a virtual attendance option is available for $140.
Keynote speakers at the event will include Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, who will discuss beef demand projections, and Colorado meteorologist Brian Bledsoe, who will talk about weather trends affecting cattle producers. In addition, sessions addressing the New World screwworm and a panel featuring industry leaders will be integral parts of the program.
One unique feature of this year’s Short Course is the VSCP Youth Track, which provides participants with practical learning experiences such as a tour of 44 Farms, Beef Quality Assurance training, and bovine anatomy demonstrations.
A culinary highlight for attendees will be the Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on August 3. Additionally, a Ranch Horse Program will be conducted on August 4 at the Hildebrand Equine Complex. Full Beef Cattle Short Course participants can attend this program at no extra cost, while others may participate for a fee of $60.
Veterinarians attending the event can accrue up to 32 hours of continuing education credits through a specialized Veterinary Continuing Education Program held from August 2-3.
Background
The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course serves as a critical educational platform for both new and experienced cattle producers. It offers a wide array of resources and insights into effectively managing beef production, especially important during periods of economic fluctuation and environmental challenges.
As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, events such as this not only provide current data and resources but also foster community engagement and education among the next generation of producers likely to shape the future of the beef cattle industry.
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Additional Resources
- Fredericksburg Standard
- Google Search: Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course
- Gilmer Mirror
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course
- High Plains Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beef Cattle Industry
- KSST Radio
- Google News: Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course
- The Eagle
- Google Scholar: Beef Cattle Management Strategies

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