Youth Gain Hands-On Beef Industry Experience at Annual Beef Symposium

WINNIE, TX – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recently hosted its annual Beef Symposium Youth Track at the Lilton Sonnier Arena in Winnie, Texas, welcoming approximately 170 students from eight area schools for a day of hands-on learning and education about the beef industry.

  Students representing East Chambers, Anahuac, Barbers Hill, Lumberton, Stuart Tech, Vidor, Cold Spring, and Nederland participated in the educational event. Through partnerships with the Sam Houston State University Animal Science Department and the Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science, students had the opportunity to explore various aspects of the beef industry through seven educational rotations.

  The Youth Track featured seven interactive stations, each designed to introduce students to important concepts and practices within the livestock and beef industries. Topics included Ruminant Nutrition, Proper Injection Techniques, Wool Evaluation, a Herding Dog Demonstration, Sensory Panel, Ethical Harvest of Animals, and Pregnancy Testing Cattle.

  Students rotated through each 20-minute session, participating in hands-on activities and demonstrations that allowed them to gain practical knowledge and experience. These interactive opportunities helped connect classroom learning with real-world applications while exposing students to the many career paths and opportunities available within animal science and agriculture.

  To conclude the day’s activities, students participated in a beef food safety lesson before putting their knowledge into practice by grilling their own hamburgers for lunch. This final activity provided an opportunity to learn more about beef safety, handling, and preparation while enjoying a meal together.

  The Beef Symposium Youth Track is a long-standing educational program that continues to bring together local schools, universities, and Extension professionals to provide valuable agricultural education to area youth. Through continued partnerships and community support, the program aims to expand its reach, welcome additional schools, and provide even more students with opportunities to learn about the beef industry.

  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is grateful for the continued support and collaboration of Sam Houston State University and Texas A&M University, as well as the schools, educators, presenters, and volunteers who help make this event possible.

  The goal is to continue growing this annual event, strengthening agricultural education, and inspiring the next generation to explore the many opportunities within the beef and livestock industries.