Ranching & Wildlife H Calf is an educational program for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ members dedicated to providing education, support and skills to aid in decision making related to beef cattle production for beef producers, weekend ranchers and anyone looking to learn something new.

Join the H Calf Facebook Group

Becoming a participant

For more information about participating please email [email protected]

Participant Benefits

  • Lectures by top agricultural experts
  • Library of additional resources by topics
  • Network with fellow Ranching & Wildlife H Calf Participants

Ranching & Wildlife H Calf Program Costs

  • Enrollment for programs will be a la carte at $50 per event per person
  • If you wish to attend one or all of the events, please use the registration link to sign up for them individually.
  • All Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Members and their guests are welcome to attend the events.

*Must be 21 and a Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to participate in the program

RANCHING & WILDLIFE H CALF PROGRAM SCHEDULE

June 29th – H Calf Adult Trip – JD Hudgins 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (214 E Railroad St, East Bernard, TX 77435) 

  • Purebred Brahman operation, Seedstock – Hungerford TX

August 10th – H Calf BBQ U, Karbach Brewery – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (2032 Karbach St, Houston, TX)

  • Dr. Davey Griffin – Barbeque Course covering steak, ribs, chicken, and lamb

    Past Programs

    2023

    DATE TOUR SITE  TOPIC(S) PHOTOS
    June 22, 2023

    R-C Ranch & R-C Ranch Butcher Shop

    We learned about R-C Ranch’s beef program. Along with breeding and raising quality Wagyu genetics, R-C Ranch saw a need in building a locally branded farm to table beef program for safe high-quality meat delivered direct from the source. After we tour the ranch, we then went to visit the R-C Ranch Butcher Shop at the famous Houston Farmer’s Market for some Texas craft meats demonstrations and a Wagyu beef lunch next door at Wild Oats.

    August 7 – 9, 2023

    TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course

    Our program encourages everyone to attend the annual Beef Cattle Short Course at Texas A&M University each year in August.  We are lucky enough that Texas A&M also hosts a dinner for our participants each year.

    August 12, 2023 H Calf BBQU We again met at Karbach Brewery to discuss the history of Texas barbeque. It is an opportunity to learn the science behind the food, and a rare chance to experience a short course on meat selection, trimming, seasoning, and cooking methods. We’d learn about the anatomy and grading of beef, as well as the science behind muscle fibers and how the low and slow cooking process successfully impacts the finished product. Special guests include scientists and pitmasters.

    2022

    DATE TIME TOPIC(S) SPEAKER(S) PHOTOS
    June 15, 2022 9:00 a.m. Enhancing Veterinarian Relationship & Knape Beef Ranch to Table Gregg Knape, DVM
    July 9, 2022 9:00 a.m. Ranch to Table Beef
    Purebred Akaushi Cow/calf operation
    August 13, 2022 9:00 a.m. Cooking brisket, ribs, and steak Davey B. Griffin, Professor and Extension Meat Specialist

    2021

    DATE TIME TOPIC(S) SPEAKER(S) WEBINAR LINK RESOURCES
    June 14, 2021 11:30 a.m. Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle Matt Spangler, PhD from University of Nebraska Recording Genetic Technology in Beef Presentation
    Genetic Technology in Beef Notes Sheet
    June 21, 2021 11:30 a.m. Cows Do What to the Planet Dr. Ron Gill from Texas A&M University Recording Cattle and the Environment
    June 28, 2021 11:30 a.m. Not Your Dad’s Ranch Marketing Rachel Cutrer – Ranch House Designs and Rancher Recording Presentation Slides
    July 5, 2021 No Webinar, celebrate July 4th
    July 12, 2021 11:30 a.m. Developing a Brush Management Plan Jeff Goodwin – Sr Pasture/Range Consultant – Noble Research Institute Recording Presentation Slides
    July 19, 2021 11:30 a.m. Do You possess the 8 characteristics of an Intentional Robert Wells, Ph.D. – Noble Research Institute Recording

    Presentation

    Article

    July 26, 2021 11:30 a.m. TBD Trent Loos Recording
    August 2, 2021 No Webinar, please go check out the Beef Cattle Short Course
    August 9, 2021 11:30 a.m. Ranching For Profit Utilizing Better Nutritional Systems Approach Jason Smith
    Assistant Professor – TAMU
    Recording
    August 16, 2021 11:30 a.m. Livestock Emergency Management & Preparation Dr. Jason Cleere – Texas A&M University Recording
    August 23, 2021 11:30 a.m. Estate Planning and Policy Changes Affecting Ag Tiffany Dowell Lashmet – Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Agricultural Law Recording

    2020

    DATE
    TIME
    TOPIC
    SPEAKER(S)
    WEBINAR LINK
    RESOURCES
    June 1, 2020 11:30 a.m. Cattle 101 Beef Cattle Industry Terminology, Ranching Basics Explained, and Fundamental Meat Overview DR. RON GILL from Texas A&M University YouTube Dr. Ron Gill – Beef 101 Presentation
    June 8, 2020 11:30 a.m. Consumer Insights and Virtual Engagement Exploring changes in consumer behavior and how the Beef Checkoff is adapting messages and education to meet these evolving needs. RACHEL CHOU and VICTORIA HELLER from TEXAS BEEF COUNCIL YouTube Texas Beef Coucil Presentation
    June 15, 2020 11:30 a.m. Livestock’s Path to Climate Neutrality Livestock can be part of a climate solution, while continuing to feed a growing population. This story runs counter to mainstream narratives, but if we look at how methane actually warms the planet, we can see clear paths to how animal agriculture can not only stop contributing to climate change, but also help mitigate other sources of greenhouse gases. DR. FRANK MITLOEHNER from the University of California, Davis YouTube Climate Neutrality Presentation
    June 22, 2020 11:30 a.m. Retail Meat in a COVID World How the outlook for beef and protein consumption and customer engagement changed in 60 days and how the industry is adapting now and planning for the future. Topics include: Brick and Mortar, E-Commerce, Consumer Awareness, Industry Advocacy MATT WALTERS – Director of Meat Procurement for H-E-B Grocery YouTube Retail Beef in a COVID World
    June 29, 2020 11:30 a.m. Eat Like A Butcher Join Chef Jess DeSham Timmons as she guides us through all things steak. Wood fire grilling, cast iron searing, seasoning, aging, and choosing the cuts that are exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see your meal all the way from the hoof to your plate from someone that knows her way around a cutting room and a fire. Topics include: Meat selection (what you look for and what does it mean grass-fed, wet-age vs dry age, etc.), What’s the different cut of steaks, Insight into preparation, and Cooking & serving JESS DESHAM TIMMONS – Cherry Block YouTube
    July 6, 2020 11:30 a.m. Visual indicators to help you manage your cows How do I tell if my cows are getting adequate nutrition? Visual indicators to help you manage your cows. A demonstration on how to body condition score cows and use it as a tool to manage nutrition. Nutrition has the greatest impact on breeding rates in cows and can affect the bottom line. DR. JASON CLEERE – Texas A&M University YouTube Body Condition Nutrition
    July 13, 2020 11:30 a.m. Mid-Year Cattle Market & Trade Policies Update Midyear outlook of where we are in the cattle market cycle and what to expect on the horizon. Also, trade and policy issues have definitely been a hot topic over the last 4 months DR. DAVID P ANDERSON – Texas A&M University YouTube Cattle Market Adjustments
    July 20, 2020 11:30 a.m. Beef, It’s What’s for School Lunch Discussion on how the nutrition in beef affects adolescent growth and how the industry can influence or increase consumption in our youth. DR. RANDI BOLEMAN YouTube Beef Presentation
    July 27, 2020 11:30 a.m. What Happens After the Hide Comes Off? After the conversion of a steer to a beef carcass, how is it further converted into beef for retail and foodservice? How much of what is actually produced? Davey Griffin will lead a discussion on beef grading, fabrication yields and how cuts are utilized by different segments of the retail and foodservice industries and how that has changed in the last few months. DR. DAVEY GRIFFIN – Texas A&M University YouTube What Happens After the Hide Comes Off?
    August 3, 2020 No Webinar, please go check out the Beef Cattle Short Course Course Link
    August 10, 2020 11:30 a.m. A Year on the Ranch This presentation will provide a brief description of the management strategies that occur on a ranch throughout a year using an example ranch set in East Texas. Four key management plans for the ranch will be discussed. Additionally, a month by month guide of what is going on for the example used will be presented. Topics include: Forage Management Plan, Breeding and Calving Season Plan, Herd health Plan, and Marketing Plan DR. JASON P. BANTA – Associate Professor and Extension Beef Cattle YouTube A year on a ranch PDF
    August 17, 2020 11:30 a.m. Landowner Liability For Texas agricultural landowners, it is always a concern as to what liability may arise if someone is injured on the landowner’s property. This session will discuss landowner liability and offer steps that rural landowners can take to protect their operations. TIFFANY DOWELL LASHMET – Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Agricultural Law YouTube Landowner Liability
    August 24, 2020 11:30 a.m. Video Plant Tours: Sam Kane & Cargill/Plainview DR. DAVEY GRIFFIN – Texas A&M University YouTube
    August 31, 2020 11:30 a.m. Cattle Industry Issues Roundtable Discussion Roundtable discussion of Cattle Industry issues with leaders from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Discussion will be lead by Kelley Sullivan Georgiades.

    Discussion Leader

    Roundtable Members

    • Collin Woodall – CEO, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
    • Ross Wilson – President & CEO, Texas Cattle Feeders Association
    • Jason Skaggs – EVP & CEO, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
    YouTube

    2019

    DATE TOPIC SPEAKER(S) TOUR SITE VIDEOS PHOTOS RESOURCES
    May 18, 2019 H Calf Short Course
    1. Jason Cook & Berry Summerour
    2. Colton Hoffman, rancher and attorney
    3. Linda Galayda aka “Texas Rancher Girl”
    4. Plateau Land & Wildlife Management, Clay Whitfill
    5. Capital Farm Credit
    NRG Center 600 Series

    Cattle 101


    Agricultural Lending


    Alternative Land Uses


    Business and Legal


    Ranch Records

    View
    June 8, 2019 Briggs Ranch Tour Briggs Ranches Personnel Briggs Ranch Watch View
    July 27, 2019 Beckendorf Ranch Tour Arlie Beckendorf Beckendorf Ranch – Tomball, TX Watch
    September 28, 2019 Genetics and Sexing Dr. Jim McGrann and Luke Bradford ST Genetics in Navasota, TX Watch View

    2018

    DATE TOPIC SPEAKER(S) TOUR SITE VIDEOS PHOTOS RESOURCES
    May 5, 2018 Program Intro and Cattle Marketing Mike Arnold – Superior Livestock N/A Watch View
    June 9, 2018 Breeds and Sire Selection Dr. Larry Boleman – Texas A&M University J.D. Hudgins Inc. – Hungerford, TX Watch View
    August 25, 2018 Livestock Nutrition Dr. Harry Anderson – Total Feeds Graham Land and Cattle – Gonzales, TX Watch View
    October 27, 2018 Health & Cattle Handling Dr. Jason Cleere – Texas A&M University Scarmardo Cattle Co. – Caldwell, TX

    Watch


    Watch Q&A

    View

    CONTACT US

    Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
    NRG Center
    3 NRG Park
    Houston, Texas 77054

    Email: [email protected]
    Phone:
    832.667.1195

    CONNECT

    Join the conversation on the Ranching and Wildlife H Calf Facebook page. The Facebook page showcases updates, photos, and discussions.