The  47th annual South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic and Trade Show is set for Oct. 26 at the Washington County Fairgrounds Sales Facility in Brenham.

 Registration is $20 and begins at 7:30 a.m., with the program getting underway at 8 a.m. Registration includes lunch, afternoon social and entry to win a commercial heifer at the conclusion of the day. Participants must be present to win.

“Make plans to join in and receive information that will help you make sound management decisions in your beef cattle operations,” said Kara Matheney, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Washington County. “The 2018 clinic will focus on emerging issues for cattle producers and low-stress cattle handling.”

The event is sponsored by AgriLife Extension and beef and forage committee members from Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Harris, Lee, Waller and Washington counties.  

The program will begin with a legislative update from State Rep. Ben Leman, R-Brenham. Other morning session topics will include National Animal Identification and the Cow-Calf Industry, and Pests of Past and Present – Tick Update.”

Matheney said the afternoon will feature a Texas Beef Council update and the remainder of the day will focus on Understanding Cattle Behavior and Low-Stress Cattle Handling Demonstrations.  

“The day is packed full of great presentations, live-cattle demonstrations, and includes a number of contests for participants to test their knowledge and skills,” she said. “Throughout the day there will be time to visit with trade show vendors, view cattle in the contests and network with producers, speakers and others.”

New for this year is a youth program.

“This new adventure will be a great learning opportunity for senior 4-H and FFA members who have an interest in animal science with a focus on beef cattle production,” she said. “Topics for the youth track will include hands-on activities focusing on anatomy and physiology, meats and beef cattle reproduction.”

Registration will be limited to the first 100 students and is open to youth in the multi-county area.

“The tradeshow at the cow-calf clinic continues to grow and this year will feature some great representatives from the cattle and ranching industry,” Matheney said. “You won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit their booths, learn about the products and services they offer, and have an opportunity to win some of the great door prizes they will be giving out.”  

In addition to the trade show, ranches and cattle producers are invited to display their cattle at the event. Display pen fees are $50 per pen limited to one bull or three heifers per pen. Anyone interested in bringing cattle for display is asked to contact the AgriLife Extension office in Washington County for additional information and details.  

After the meeting, trade show vendors, participants and speakers are invited to a social hour sponsored by Mike Hopkins Distributing and enjoy beer-battered beef tips.  

Participants who hold a private, commercial or non-commercial pesticide applicators license will receive one hour of continuing education in the integrated pest management category.   

For additional information and to register, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Washington County at 979-277-6212.