Kosciusko County Extension Office is hosting classes for anyone interested in starting to raise beef animals or increase their knowledge of beef production processes.
The Beef 101 program will explore various related topics such as management, nutrition, pasture management, hay quality, fencing, genetics, herd health, handling facilities, marketing and reproduction.
The class’s first meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14. The first class will serve as an introduction to the beef industry and management principles. Class materials will be distributed and students will begin to develop a network with other class participants.
Classes continue on Thursday evenings until March 28. Sessions will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Warsaw at the Purdue Extension Office, located in the county annex building at 202 W. Main St., Warsaw.
Local Extension educator and a state veterinarian, along with current beef producers, will provide the instruction. The early bird fee for this training is $100 for up to two individuals from the same operation and $25 each for additional individuals from the same operation if received by Feb. 7.
This includes the cost of program supplies and reference materials, which can be kept by participants.
Students are expected to attend all the classes.
The Beef 101 classes will also be supplemented by outside learning opportunities. Visits will be scheduled with experienced beef producers so participants can see first-hand what they are learning in action. Additional online resources will be used to enhance participants skills and learning about the beef industry.
After completing the Beef 101 program, participants should have an above-average understanding of the beef industry in Indiana and learn examples of successful management styles that can be incorporated into starting up or building beef operations.
Anyone with questions should contact the Kosciusko County Extension Office at 574-372-2340 or visit the county website at extension.purdue.edu/kosciusko.
