Texas AgriLife Extension offers information this week for cattle producers on fence building and a survey being distributed to the Texas stocker cattle industry.

Extension media specialist Blair Fannin explains in two separate releases.

Fence building

Good fences make good cattle operations. So says Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in explaining the importance of a fencing demonstration, part of five demonstrations scheduled for the 60th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, held Aug. 4-6 on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station.

The fencing demonstration will be one of five demonstrations scheduled Aug. 6. “Building new fence for a cattle operation is a time-consuming investment,” Cleere said. “This year’s short course will show attendees the different types of materials used in building a fence, how to get longevity out of a fence, and tips on stretching and tightening different types of wire.”

Also scheduled are cattle working demonstrations, which will focus on gathering cow-calf pairs, sorting calves and processing according to Beef Quality Assurance principles. The session will demonstrate proper cattle handling practices, vaccination procedures, castration, dehorning and parasite control.

For the latest on southwest agriculture, please check out Southwest Farm Press Daily and receive the latest news right to your inbox.

“Beef cattle producers can add even more profits on top of receiving current premium market prices by adopting simple things such as castration and vaccinating calves,” Cleere said. “This adds value to your investment, and you will be rewarded when you go to market these calves.”

Other sessions scheduled Aug. 6 include a Brush Busters demonstration, a beef carcass quality demonstration and beef cattle business management workshop. A private pesticide applicators training session is also scheduled.

 “The short course has become one of the largest and most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S., Cleere noted.

R.C. Slocum, former Texas A&M head football coach and Central Texas rancher, will be one of the featured speakers during the general session on Aug. 4. Brian Bledsoe, meteorologist with Southern Livestock Standard, will provide a long-term weather outlook. Dr. Gary Smith, visiting professor in the department of animal science at Texas A&M, College Station, will provide an overview of how the cattle business has changed the past 25 years, while Dr. Bill Mies, visiting professor in the department of animal science at Texas A&M, will discuss future opportunities for beef producers through 2025.

 “The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information needed by beef cattle producers. We think we have information for everyone to take home and apply to their operations,” Cleere said.

Stocker survey

Cattlemen will also be interested in a new stocker cattle industry survey distributed by Texas A&M University System agricultural agencies. The survey is designed to help meet future research and educational initiatives.

A survey distributed to the Texas stocker cattle industry by will help collect vital trend data to assist in, according to officials.

The mailed survey will help specialists with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the department of animal science and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M gather information to evaluate field research efforts and educational programs relating to the beef industry.

“We are committed to serving the Texas beef industry, and the stocker segment is a vital part of beef production in the Lone Star state,” said Dr. Bill Dugas, acting vice chancellor and dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for the system.

Russell Cross, head of the department of animal science at Texas A&M said the stocker segment has a unique task of taking cattle from diverse cow-calf operations and preparing them for the structured feeder phase.

Survey responses are anonymous and will provide an assessment of the stocker industry

 For more information, call the department of animal science at 979-845-1543.

Check here for more on these stories.