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Putting money in beef producers’ pockets

Teaching beef cattle producers proper management skills and how to use basic technologies helps put money in their pockets, according to John Hall, Extension beef cattle specialist.

Eight years ago, Hall and his colleagues at Virginia Tech developed the Virginia Cow/Calf Management Course. Since the course’s inception, more than 750 cattle producers have taken the five-month series that combines at-home learning, Web-based materials and discussion groups, and hands-on workshops.

The course provides information and skill building in cow herd nutrition, genetics, health, reproduction, and marketing. Extension beef cattle specialists, Extension agents, veterinarians, and experienced beef producers serve as instructors for the course.

The course combines at-home learning with a hands-on session. Participants receive the at-home portion of the course either through mailings or over the Internet. Each month from October through March beef producers receive a section of the course complete with study questions. The course consists of nearly 30 lessons grouped into five different topic areas. Producers can ask questions of instructors through an electronic bulletin board or via telephone.

Then, during the two-and-a-half day workshop called VT Cow Camp, producers learn how to score cows on body condition, process baby calves, vaccinate cattle, assist with calving, and handle cows and calves. Sessions on the selection of bulls and heifers and applied genetics are also provided. Reproductive anatomy, breeding soundness evaluations, the latest estrus synchronization systems, and reproductive management are also taught.

Although the number of Virginia farms with cattle has remained stable over the past decade, new producers are entering the cattle business all the time, according to Hall. “Producers taking this course range from beginners to folks who have been in the business for many years, he says. “The last survey we conducted indicated that the students’ average number of years in the cattle business was 10 years.”

When the course was first created, it was offered through a series of on-site meetings. In 2005, Hall decided to offer the materials through a combination of distance learning methods. “We are still learning how best to use this format to teach producers. The hands-on portion of the VT Cow Camp is essential to bringing it all together,” says Hall.

Based on follow-up surveys with participants, producers report the gross value of increased beef production as a result of this program to be approximately $1.5 to $1.8 million annually.