TCFA Feedyard Technician Program

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.

Program Details

• 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

Career Paths Offered

• 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

Key Features

• 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)

Eligibility

• High school juniors
• High school seniors
• Interest in cattle feeding or beef industry careers

Credentials

• 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

Success Outcomes

• Program participants have advanced to supervisor and manager positions
• Alumni serve as program instructors and industry advocates
• Direct pipeline to feedyard employment opportunities

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.