Story and Photographs By: Beth Ann Luedeker
Contact: Dr. Larry Redmon – l-redmon@tamu.edu
Dr. Larry Redmon, who developed and coordinates Ranch Management University, discussed forage management with the participants.
There was a full house for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s spring Ranch Management University, held April 2-6 in College Station.
Extension Specialist Jake Mowrer demonstrated soil horizons and discussed many aspects of soil health during the 5-day workshop.
The five-day workshop under the direction of Dr. Larry Redmon, Soil and Crop Sciences Associate Department Head for Extension, accepts only 50 participants and usually fills up quickly.
New Landowners, potential landowners, landowners looking for a refresher and at least one self-proclaimed “old school” cattleman gathered at the Animal Science complex near the Brazos River to hear Extension specialists discuss a wide variety of information. Presentations included land stewardship practices, wildlife management techniques, pond management strategies, horse and cattle management and much more.
During her session on horse production, Dr. Jennifer Zoller introduced participants to the Texas Horse Health App – a free app for mobile devices which became available in January.
“My wife, son and I had a wonderful experience at RMU and we all learned ‘a whole bunch’, as we say in Texas” said Richard Hurst, whose family came down from Irving, TX for the workshop. “The information was timely and thorough in all areas. I have never encountered folks who are so willing to share information and support new ranchers.”
Participants had the opportunity to get their hands dirty and learn how to hand-texture soils.
Most of the week is spent in a classroom setting, but there are also daily demonstrations and hands-on activities.
As he watched the cattle handling demonstration, one participant said, “I have been doing this a long time. My wife says I’m old school and that’s why she dragged me here.”
He examined the Ral-Gro® gun, something he had not used before, and asked several questions before he continued.
“They have a lot of good information, and I have learned several new things this week,” he said.
Then he smiled and added, “It’s also been nice to see that I’ve been doing some things right.”
Ranch Management University takes place twice each year. Spring RMU typically occurs in April, with the Fall RMU taking place in October. While it is geared toward newer landowners, the presentations are beneficial for all landowners or future landowners.
People interested attending the workshop may contact Dr. Larry Redmon, l-redmon@tamu.edu or Linda Francis, l-francis@tamu.edu.