Field Day at McGregor Research Center

Last week, I was able to travel to McGregor, Texas, and be a part of the first Field Day at the McGregor Research Center in 26 years! Having never been there before, I was excited to learn all about it.

Before it became the McGregor Research Center, it was called the Bluebonnet Farm. The Bluebonnet Farm was a 17,000 acre weapons factory in World War II. After the war ended, some of the land was repurposed as an agricultural research farm. The facility today includes a 700-head feedlot, a feed mill, and the capacity to individually feed 168 head of cattle. The center also maintains an 1,100-head herd of cattle. If you are touring the center, you are still able to see some of the old buildings that were built to store bombs.

The field day included presentations in the morning with a research tour in the afternoon. Dr. Goodwin gave an impressive presentation over Understanding Soil Health. I did not realize how imperative it is for your soil to be healthy. I have been learning more and more and rangeland and pasture health lately, and my mind has been blown. Not only do you have to make sure your cattle are taken care of, but making sure your pasture is taken care of is priority. Needless to say, I have been super interested in this topic lately!

The afternoon kicked off with the tour. We stopped at three different areas located around the center. Did you know that having a brush in your pen reduces stress among weaned calves? I have seen brushes like these at Dairy’s but have never seen it in a pen like this before. All the cattle huddled around the brush and used it frequently!

This was one of my first events back out in the Field and I loved every minute of it! From the sun shining down to the click click click of my camera.

When you love your job it never gets old!
As always share some love, we could all use a little more love
XOXOXO
Casey

Beef Cattle Short Course – 2022

This week is always one of my favorite weeks of the year! Beef Cattle Short Course took place in College Station, Texas. There is something special about being surrounded by like-minded people. The camaraderie between everyone. The opportunity to catch up with your friends who live in different parts of the state. Most importantly to be able to make an impact on the industry, to provide educational material and inform not only the producers but the consumers as well.

If you have never been to Beef Cattle Short Course, it is a roughly three day event at Texas A&M University. There are some sessions that take place Sunday, but the official event kicks off bright and early Monday morning. The schedule is packed for Monday and Tuesday with a variety of different sessions to attend. The best part is that you can pick and choose what you want to go too. Want to hear more on Nutrition? There are sessions for that. Interested in learning more on brush control? They have it covered.

Monday night, is a meal that you do not want to miss! Prime Rib Dinner! By far, one of the best meals I have ever had, the picture does not do it justice!

Wednesday morning, the Short Course moves from classroom style teaching, to hands on demonstrations. These topics range from Fencing demonstrations, to brush control, to cattle handling. My favorite to watch is the cattle handling demonstration. No matter how many times I have watched Dr. Gill do his demonstrations, I always learn something new. Never stop trying to learn. Keep learning so that you can start teaching!

While this year’s event is over, it is never too early to start thinking about next year. For more information on the event, be sure to check out – https://beefcattleshortcourse.com/. The full schedule from this year is listed along with some of the additional programs that are combined with this event.

Looking for events to attend and information right now? Check out the RanchTV Youtube Channel. Also, follow the Beef Cattle Extension Specialists on Facebook – Beef Cattle – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for upcoming events.

My heart is full and my love for the industry has only increased. Today, I am extra thankful for the opportunities that I have been given. Our paths may take us a different direction than we originally attended, find the blessings in that, you will be surprised by the things that come your way.

As always share some love, we could all use a little more love
XOXOXO
Casey