National stockmanship expert Curt Pate to lead free cattle handling workshop

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Curt Pate, one of the nation’s top experts in stockmanship and horsemanship, is returning to Oklahoma for a second straight year to lead a workshop for ranchers, farmers and students who want to sharpen their cattle handling skills.

Free and open to the public, the hands-on workshop will take place Thursday, May 12 at Denny-Crump Rodeo Arena, 215 N. Country Club in El Reno, Oklahoma.

“In addition to managing a small grazing operation in South Dakota, Curt Pate has spent more than 10 years sharing his expertise and experience with others across the industry,” said Gant Mourer, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension beef enhancement specialist. “This is a chance to learn from one of the best in the business how to decrease stress on your animals as well as you and your family.”

The first session, set to begin at 5 p.m., will focus on working cattle on horseback. The second session will start at 7 p.m. and will explore working cattle on foot. Dinner will be served between sessions at 6:30 p.m.

Each workshop will include a question-and-answer period, during which participants will have a chance to discuss a variety of issues with Pate.

Participants may attend one or both sessions.

To RSVP, contact the Canadian County Extension office at 405-262-0155, by May 9.

Pate’s teachings align with the Beef Quality Assurance program, which is presenting the workshop in partnership with the Oklahoma Beef Council and OSU Cooperative Extension.

A national, research-based educational program funded by the Beef Checkoff and administered by OSU Cooperative Extension, BQA targets beef producers and emphasizes best management practices throughout the beef industry.

“Any producer who is serious about running a high quality operation and staying up-to-date on the most effective best management practices in the industry should take advantage of the training opportunities offered through the BQA program,” Mourer said.

BQA training modules cover a wide range of current industry topics such as how to properly give injections, marketing animals using breeding and genetics, proper feeding and care of animals and recordkeeping.

Producers earn certification for each module successfully completed.

BQA training modules can be accessed online at www.animalcaretraining.org or for information about attending in-person BQA courses, contact the nearest county Extension office.