Submitted by: Dr. Chandlar Kern, Penn State Extension Livestock Educator
Penn State Extension has a variety of educational opportunities for beef producers across Pennsylvania this fall, covering pasture management, cattle handling, carcass evaluation, cattle feeding, and herd sire selection. Mark your calendar for these upcoming programs.
Pasture Walks with Extension
September 12 – From Pasture to Performance | Gettysburg
This hands-on pasture walk will focus on improving pasture productivity and grazing management. Topics include pasture evaluation, forage and weed identification, integrated weed management, rotational grazing, animal nutrition, and body condition scoring.
Learn more and register for From Pasture to Performance
September 22 – Fertility and Livestock | State College
Held at Penn State’s Haller Farm, this pasture walk will explore management of a rotationally grazed beef operation and ongoing research at the farm. Topics include soil fertility and testing, weed control, forage species selection, animal nutrition, grazing strategies, and overall pasture management.
Learn more and register for Fertility and Livestock
Building Better Beef Systems
September 12 – Ford City | September 19 – Elverson | September 26 – Smithfield | October 24 – Millerstown
Building Better Beef Systems is an on-farm workshop series focused on cattle handling, animal welfare, and operational efficiency. Guided facility tours and discussions will cover cattle flow, labor-saving strategies, facility design and modification, chute and load-out systems, and funding opportunities through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). Each workshop is hosted on a working beef operation, giving producers a chance to see practical solutions they may be able to adapt to their own farms.
Learn more and register for Building Better Beef Systems
Beef Cattle Short Course | October 13–14 – State College
This two-day program connects live cattle evaluation with carcass outcomes. Participants will evaluate cattle on the hoof and then examine those same animals on the rail while university specialists discuss carcass yield, quality, and breakdown.
Learn more and register for the Beef Cattle Short Course
Cattle Feeders Small Group Gathering | October 28 – Lancaster
This informal, no-agenda gathering gives cattle feeders an opportunity to discuss current trends and challenges with fellow producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, Extension educators, and other industry professionals.
Learn more and register for the Cattle Feeders Small Group Gathering
Bull Buying Decisions: Genetics and Structure for Herd Sires | November 3 – Mercer
Selecting a herd sire is one of the most influential genetic decisions a cow-calf producer makes. This program will focus on using genetic information and structural soundness to select bulls that fit individual herd goals.
With programs offered across the state and covering a range of beef production topics, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and connect with fellow producers this fall. Additional information and registration are available through Penn State Extension. For questions about these or other Penn State Extension beef programs, contact Dr. Chandlar Kern, Penn State Extension Livestock Educator, at chk5071@psu.edu or 717-472-8120.
