By Robert Burns
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Milam County will host a “Bull Selection for Commercial and Seedstock Beef Producers” program Nov. 12 near Cameron.
The training will be held from 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. at 44 Farms, about 1 mile east of Cameron on 1945 County Road 227, said event organizers.
Drs. Jason Banta and Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialists from Overton and College Station, respectively, will conduct the training.
“The bull is responsible for 50 percent of the success of a herd’s calf crop,” Banta said. “It’s an investment that, if chosen wisely, can certainly pay big dividends to the producer.”
Registration for the training is $60 per person if made before Nov. 3, and $75 thereafter. Registration includes lunch and program materials. To register go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu or call AgriLife Extension Conference Services at 979-845-2604.
Many factors have to be considered in selecting a bull, including its age and previous breeding experience, Banta said.
“A bull that has bred before as a yearling will cover more cows than one without previous experience,” he said.
Other factors to take into consideration are testicle size, which Banta and Cleere will show how to measure, and scrotum size, which is an indicator of sperm production, motility or activeness, and quality. Even farm or ranch acreage size and terrain should be considered, he said.
“Hilly land can affect breeding coverage and should be kept in mind,” Banta said.
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