Week 1: Why Raise Beef Cattle?

Webinar on Nov 4, 2020

• Introductions and course overview
• The opportunities and benefits for raising beef cattle
• Are beef cattle the right fit for you?
• Key concepts for profitability
• Considerations for building a successful beef operation

Week 2: Getting Started

Webinar on Nov 11, 2020

• Common breeds & terminology
• Selecting the right biotype for your model
• Tips for finding the right animals to start or expand your herd
• Educational resources and sources of assistance

Week 3: Production Models

Webinar on Nov 18, 2020

• Common production models: cow-calf, stocker, finisher, etc.
• Evaluating financial performance
• Buying, backgrounding, breeding and weaning
• Evaluating animal performance

Week 4: Marketing Models & Pricing

Webinar on Nov 25, 2020

Guest speaker: Matt LeRoux

• Meat processing terminology and regulations
• Identifying your target customer
• Developing marketing objectives
• Selecting your marketing channels
• Setting prices

Week 5: Beef Cattle Nutrition

Webinar on Dec 2, 2020

Guest speaker: Betsy Hicks

• Forage quality
• Nutritional needs of different cattle types
• Minerals and supplements
• Keeping production records

Week 6: Cattle Behavior & Care

Webinar on Dec 11, 2020

Guest speaker: Betsy Hicks

• Animal behavior
• Safe and efficient handling
• Vaccinations, first aid, and vet care
• Pests, parasites and diseases
• Infrastructure: shelter, handling systems, fencing & water
• Grazing basics
• Winter feeding
• Course wrap-up