Novice ranchers, landowners and farmers can gain practical, hands-on experience during the Beef Cattle 101 two-day workshop hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service on May 18-19.

The workshop will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with sessions being held in College Station and Kosse.

The program is designed to build confidence and foundational skills for those new to cattle production while networking with agricultural professionals and fellow producers. 

May 18 sessions will be at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Building, Room 144, at 1470 William D. Fitch Pkwy, College Station. May 19 sessions will feature hands-on cattle working activities at the Skippin Filly Ranch in Kosse.

Registration is $65 and space is limited so early registration is encouraged.

The first 10 active-duty military members and veterans who complete both days of the workshop are eligible for a $362 stipend. Proof of status is required.

Hands-on learning opportunities

The sessions will be led by Erin Kimbrough, manager and co-director of AgriLife Extension’s BattleGround to Breaking Ground and Texas AgrAbility programs, and BJ Groskreutz, program coordinator, Department of Agricultural Economics.

Participants will learn to identify and select beef cattle breeds suited to their goals, while gaining insight into cattle behavior and low-stress handling techniques that improve safety and efficiency.

The program also covers essential herd health practices, including nutrition, disease prevention and recognizing early signs of illness, along with hands-on experience in vaccinations, deworming and tagging.

Additional instruction will focus on evaluating pasture conditions, determining appropriate stocking rates and implementing grazing and pasture management strategies that support long-term productivity and sustainability.

For more information and registration information contact Groskreutz at bj.groskreutz@ag.tamu.edu.