Ag Notes
Beef course

Each year in August more than 1,300 beef cattle producers from across the U.S. and other countries converge on the campus of Texas A&M University to attend the Beef Cattle Short Course.

In its 53rd year, it has become the largest beef producer educational event of its kind in the U.S.

This year's 2 1/2-day educational event is Aug. 4-6.

It is known for being one of the most comprehensive beef cattle adult educational programs available.

Almost 50 different university faculty and industry leaders from across Texas and the U.S. help for a very diverse and cutting edge educational program.

The most popular part of the short course each year is the Cattlemen's College, which features a group of workshops devoted to specific topics.

The format allows participants to choose the specific workshops they are interested in.

The Beef Cattle Short Course annual Trade Show is also a popular part of the conference, with more than 100 different exhibitors on hand to discuss a variety of products and services.

For information on the course, phone (979) 845-6931.

Women's event

The third annual Women of the Land Workshop, for women who own, co-own, manage or just enjoy and want to learn more about land and wildlife, is April 11-13 at Camp Honey Creek in Hunt, west of Kerrville.

There will be workshop sessions on habitat management basics, identifying wildlife, stream and deer ecology and exotic species management. Other events include astronomy, bird watching on the lake, kayaking and networking.

Accommodations are on-site in climate-controlled cabins. Space is limited. Phone early for a slot.

Phone the Texas Wildlife Association at (800) 839-9453 or visit www.texas-wildlife.org for information or registration forms.

Scholarship

Lampasas County Youth Livestock Association is offering a scholarship to a graduating senior.

To be eligible, a student must be an active participant and exhibitor in three of the past five county youth stock shows; be a Texas resident and a graduate in the Class of 2008; applied to and met the entrance requirements for a college, university or technical school; pass state standardized tests; be an active member in Lampasas County 4-H or FFA or Lometa FFA programs; have taken the SAT, ACT or equivalent exams; and submitted a current, complete and official livestock association scholarship application with required documentation.

Deadline for receipt of applications is April 4.

Training

Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Lampasas County will host private applicator training April 15 for those seeking a pesticide license.

Certification allows one to purchase and use restricted pesticides and herbicides.

Training begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Lampasas County Office Building conference room, 409 S. Pecan St.

Cost is $35 per participant, which covers instructional material and a catered lunch.

A TDA representative will be on hand after lunch to give the test.

Registration deadline is April 8. Phone 556-8271 or stop by the office to register and pick up instructional materials.