Characteristics of Texas A&M University 43rd beef cattle short course and trade show participants

Abstract

The Texas A&M University Beef Cattle Short Course is held annually over a three-day period beginning on Monday. Full day concurrent sessions in beef cattle health, economics, genetics, management, meats, nutrition, pastures, ranges, reproduction, and other areas are conducted in what is called "Cattlemen's College" on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday are devoted to general session issue-related topics with a Wednesday afternoon live animal demonstration with audience involvement. To more appropriately meet the programmatic needs of the 1,600 attendees, an entrance survey (n =340) was used to help define the participant's characteristics. Additionally, an exit (n =393) evaluation was distributed Wednesday afternoon to evaluate the quality of the training and solicit ideas for next year's program. Representative attendance was Texas producers (93 %) with 79% from six ranked Extension Districts (9, 8, 4, 1 0, I 1, and 5) of 12 statewide, out-of-state (6%) and international (I%). Descriptive industry participation indicated 34% with herd size < 50 head and 6% with herd size > 500 head. The average herd size reported was 196 head. The average number of ranches owned was reported at 1.5 ranches, although 69% owned I ranch and 5% owned >3 ranches. The average acreage reported was 2,355 acres with 45% of participants owning <500 acres and 8% owning >5000 acres. Full-time producers were in the minority (26%) and 21% of the part-time operations were owned by business professionals. The majority in attendance were there for the first time (52%) while 19% of all participants had attended 5 or more practices would be adopted. Breeds, records, health, nutrition, and pastures were identified as topics for future programs. Participants (95%) indicated they would return next year.