Learn the low stress technique of working cattle. Grazing Land Conservation Initiative of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in South Texas and the Coastal Prairie have been working together on an educational event for ranchers in this part of Texas.

By working with area ranchers, they have identified their interests and the GLCI has tailored a program to fit those interests. They have decided to bring in some nationally recognized speakers for a Ranch Management Clinic at the Beeville Expo Center on September 28th.

The group has tried to bring in the best of the best for this program. Both of our speakers ranch for themselves and speak from practical experience. Both of these gentlemen have a “for profit” mindset and are gifted presenters. You’ll hear tips about moving livestock and see Curt Pate handle cattle taken straight out of the brush. You will also hear Kit Pharo tell how he managed to build a successful and profitable cattle operation where it rains 12 inches a year. Kit will tell you how he strived for larger and larger weaning weights at the expense of nearly going broke. Then, he’ll explain how he has managed to turn the ranch around and prosper despite rising costs and shaky markets.

The morning session with have Low Stress Livestock Handling Demonstration by Curt Pate and will feature horsemanship for the stockman, on-foot cattle handling, and horseback cattle handling. During lunch there will be a trade show and the afternoon session will feature Kit Pharo discussing putting profitability back in ranching. Topics covered include planned rotational grazing, matching your production cycle, and matching cattle to your environment.

More about the speakers: Curt Pate - Stockmanship Instructor & horseman, lifelong rancher, former auctioneer; 2007, 2008, & 2009 AQHA Clinician of the Year. Curt will show you ways to work with livestock so the animals handle and perform better. Learn how to do more with less and create a safer place to work. Curt’s instruction in effective stockmanship supports a “for profit” mindset that the modern rancher needs to survive.

Kit Pharo – Feedlot pen rider turned rancher will share the experience he gained building his family business, Pharo Cattle Company, from the ground up. Kit will show ranchers how they can get through the tough economic times we are currently in, and how they can get ahead. Time-tested, no-nonsense information that can be readily and easily put to use will be the focus of his presentation. Kit is nationally recognized as a successful rancher and businessman. For more information about Kit, go to www.pharocattle.com.

Again mark your calendars for Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010 at the Bee County Expo Center at 214 South FM 351 in Beeville, or e-mail www. beecountyexpocenter.com.

Registration is at 8:30 a m. and program starting at 9 a.m.

There is a registration fee of $25 which covers the program and meals. Please RSVP by calling 361-362- 3280 on or before Sept. 22 as space is limited.