A variety of cattle production management topics will be presented at this year’s short course including a weather outlook, said Dr. Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator.
“Our topics this year will fit right into what Texas beef producers are experiencing with forage management, beef cattle management and beef cattle marketing,” Cleere said.
“The long-term cattle market outlook is one of many other topics that will be discussed in the 22 different cattleman’s college sessions at the short course.”
The general session will feature a virtual tour of a U.S. feedyard and U.S. beef packing plant, a presentation on what consumers want to know about raising beef, as well as challenges and opportunities for ranchers in the next 20 years.
Sessions will be held at various locations on the Texas A&M campus with the main general sessions at Rudder Auditorium.
“Planning committee members from around the state have met with us and helped us put together another outstanding program,” he said. “The short course has become one of the largest and most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S.”
The cattleman’s college portion of the three-day short course provides participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch, Cleere said.
“These concurrent workshops will feature information on introductory cattle production, management practices in the areas of forage, nutrition and reproduction, record keeping, brush-busting, cattle handling, landowner issues and much more,” he said.
In addition to classroom instruction August 6-7, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of August 8.
“There will be demonstrations on chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning, selection and brush-busting,” Cleere said. “These provide an opportunity for ranchers to see beef cattle production practices put to use.
“The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information that is needed by beef cattle producers, and this year is no exception.”
Participants can receive a Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator’s license during the short course and can earn at least seven pesticide continuing education units if they are already licensed, Cleere added.
An industry trade show will be held during the event, featuring more than 110 agricultural businesses and service exhibits.
Registration is $160 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, lunches, breakfasts and daily refreshments.
Registration information and a tentative schedule will be mailed to previous participants in May, but can also be found on the short course website. 
—From Texas AgriLife Extension Service news release
PHOTO:
Dr. Joe Paschal, Texas AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, discussed beef cattle genetics at the 2011 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. The 2012 short course will feature the latest in beef cattle research and management strategies. Photo by Blair Fannin, courtesy of Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
