UNIVERSITY PARK — Beef cattle producers, beef cattle nutritionists and small meatpackers can gain insight into the beef production process by attending the “Beef Cattle Short Course,” a two-day workshop hosted by Penn State Extension with support from the Pennsylvania Beef Producers Working Group.

The event will occur from 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, and from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at various locations on Penn State’s University Park campus, including the Bryce Jordan Center and the Snider Agricultural Arena.

Dr. Tara Felix, extension beef cattle specialist and associate professor of animal science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, is the lead instructor and speaker for 2025.

The event will begin with a live cattle evaluation, offering participants an opportunity to assess a class of cattle and learn how those evaluations translate to outcomes on the rail.

Following the live cattle evaluation, workshops and guest speakers will highlight concepts related to raising cattle for the beef market and maintaining a healthy herd.

Finally, the cattle that were evaluated live on Day 1 will be evaluated hanging on the rail on Day 2. University specialists will discuss the yield and quality of each animal and demonstrate breaking down the carcass.

Sessions also will cover:

— Understanding feed analysis.

— Formulating rations.

— Managing cattle health.

— Marketing a product.

Space is limited, so preregistration is required. Participants must register by Sept. 30. The registration fee of $50 covers dinner on the first day and lunch both days.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/beef-short-course.