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COLLEGE STATION, Texas. [June 15, 2020] – The 44 Farms International Beef Cattle Acad- emy is accepting applications for its 2020-2021 online certification program. Applications
for this comprehensive certificate program, through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, open June 20 and are due August 15.
“We’ve developed the strongest course offerings paired with industry-leading ex- perts, and we anticipate our third program year to build on the success of the previous two years,” says Reinaldo Cooke, program coordinator and associate professor at Texas A&M University. “Students can quickly apply class learnings to their operation or business – that’s an instant return on investment.”
Prospective students should apply as soon as possible. An ideal student candidate is eager to learn and is passionate about driving the industry forward. Class size for the presti- gious academy is limited to offer an exclusive and customized learning experience. The academy’s online learning format allows any- one from across the globe to participate.
IBCA students working cattle
What to expect
The 44 Farms International Beef Cat-
tle Academy consists of eight courses at 30 learning hours per course. Classes are taught online with pre-recorded lectures. In addition to the pre-recorded lectures, there is a weekly interactive session for the student and in- structor. The one-on-one sessions are custom- ized based on individual student needs, says
Ky Pohler, program coordinator and assistant professor at Texas A&M University.
Course topics include:
• Cattle welfare and behavior
• Forage production and utilization
• Nutritional management and require-
ments
• Reproductive physiology and manage-
ment
• Breeding and genetics
• Immunology and herd health manage-
ment
• Safety of beef products
• Carcass and beef quality
Following online coursework, the academy typically concludes with an optional residency period and graduation ceremony in College Station, Texas.
“The ability to participate virtually also provides peace of mind amid times of global health concerns,” says Pohler. “With two years of experience in conducting the academy on- line, our team knows what it takes to provide participants with the full value of this edu- cational opportunity without sacrificing the opportunity for a first-rate experience.”
Firsthand experience:
Students currently enrolled in 2019-2020 of- fered these perspectives for future attendees:
“Because the classes are set up to be flexible, it’s really ideal for students who work during the day. I spend most of my day on the farm, so being able to participate at my own pace makes it much more valuable and worthwhile.” -Ka- zakhstan student
“For me and my operation, International Beef Cattle Academy has been a real game-changer. The materials and classes have opened my mind for so many opportunities and new approaches in our business.” – South American student
“It is very interesting that you can watch all of these classes online, access all the material
and then be face to face with the speaker to ask anything about those things you learned.” – Kazakhstan student
“My favorite course was the one over nutri- tion, but all of the courses were very valuable. I was able to learn even more than I did from my college classes.” – Romanian student
“It is one thing to read about beef production, but when you put things into practice, you are going to have questions related to your specific operation. Having the opportunity to ask your questions to industry experts is incredibly valu- able, and my favorite thing about the course.”
– Kazakhstan student
Cow/calf at 2019 IBCA
Scholarships available
New for the 2020-2021 program, scholar- ships are available for interested individu- als. The scholarship opportunities will help extend participation in the academy to a broader audience, covering up to 70% of tuition costs.
The next academy begins in September 2020 and continues through August 2021. Apply to- day at animalscience.tamu.edu/ibca/ or email ibca@tamu.edu for more information.
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