Ranch Management University program scheduled Oct. 12-15

Ranch Management University program scheduled Oct. 12-15

Soil fertility, hay production, other topics to be discussed

COLLEGE STATION – New land purchases in Texas are often made by individuals with little understanding of how to manage soil, plant and animal resources, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert.

To meet the need of this clientele, a new landowner workshop is scheduled Oct. 12-15 in College Station.

The Ranch Management University, sponsored by AgriLife Extension, is a four-day event designed to help new landowners have a better understanding of resource management, said Dr. Larry Redmon, workshop coordinator.

“The topics will begin with soils and soil fertility and cover other basic aspects of ranch management,” Redmon said. “Those include forage species selection, hay production, weed and brush management, beef cattle breed selection, nutrient requirements, and feeding strategies for livestock. We’ll also cover grazing management strategies and the popular chute-side talk and live-animal handling demonstrations of vaccinations, dehorning and castration.”

Other topics covered include how to keep good ranch records, how to develop a marketing plan and a look at alternative enterprises.

“Many properties today are purchased for recreation and in Texas this means wildlife,” Redmon said. “To address this need, wildlife management issues will also be covered. Wildlife management topics covered in the Ranch Management University will range from whitetailed deer management, dove, turkey, and quail hunting and management, ranch pond management and the ever-popular feral hog.”

Field demonstrations will include how to take a proper soil and hay sample, how to assess body condition scores for cattle, a look at forage variety trials, grazing management and hog trap construction.

Approximately one-half of the program time will be spent in a classroom setting, while the remainder of the time is spent in the field. Lunch and supper will be provided Oct. 12-14 and lunch will be provided Oct. 15. A resource CD containing dozens of publications covering ranch management will be provided.

Attendance is limited to the first 75 people. For additional information, contact Redmon at 979-845-2425. For registration information, please go to http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu and type in “Ranch Management” as key words. Registration may be completed online at the site.

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