TCFA Feedyard Technician Program
Funding Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
TCFA Feedyard Technician Program
Overview: A comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the fed beef industry through specialized curriculum and hands-on training.
- Duration: Split into spring and fall sessions
- Target Audience: High school juniors and seniors
- Geographic Scope: Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico (3+ locations as of 2024)
- Started: 2013
- Current Reach: Over 450 students annually; 3,000+ students since inception (as of 2023)
- Partners: West Texas A&M University, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services
Program Details
- Path 1: Cattle Handling and Care - Intramuscular and subcutaneous injection techniques - Animal husbandry practices - Feedyard operations
- Path 2: Machinery Operation, Maintenance, and Repair - Equipment operation - Welding and machinery maintenance - Mill operations
Career Paths Offered
- Hands-on lab exercises
- Feedyard visits and tours
- Industry professional mentorship
- Written exam component
- Practical skill demonstration
- Industry professional interviews
- Certificate upon successful completion (70% or higher required in each category)
Key Features
- High school juniors
- High school seniors
- Interest in cattle feeding or beef industry careers
Eligibility
- Texas Education Agency (TEA) Recognition: As of 2019, students who successfully complete the program receive official credit and certificate recognition
- Students can graduate with industry-recognized certificates
Credentials
- Program participants have advanced to supervisor and manager positions
- Alumni serve as program instructors and industry advocates
- Direct pipeline to feedyard employment opportunities
Success Outcomes
How to Apply
Application and Participation Process
#### How It Works
1. Session Structure: Program split into two sessions (spring and fall) allowing students to specialize in different career paths
2. Spring Session: Cattle Handling and Care
- Held at three locations across Texas
- Hands-on cattle care instruction
3. Fall Session: Machinery Operation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Equipment and welding training
- Mill operations instruction
4. Learning Components:
- Classroom instruction from industry professionals
- Hands-on lab exercises
- Feedyard visits and tours
- Practice with newly learned skills
5. Certification/Test Day:
- Written examination on material covered
- Practical skill demonstrations
- Interview with industry professional
- Passing Score: 70% or higher required in each category to earn certificate
#### Contact for Enrollment
For application instructions, deadlines, and specific session dates, contact TCFA through tcfa.org/educational-programs.html or sign up for program updates.
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
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