Grain-grading workshops set in Amarillo

Two grain-grading workshops hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service—one May 1 and one May 2—will be held in Amarillo.

DeDe Jones, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service risk management program specialist in Amarillo, said the program, which will be repeated both days, is designed for corn, sorghum and wheat grain handlers and producers.

Information from the workshops will help participants recognize the different types of damage that occur in these grains and how the damages affect grade and feeding value, Jones said.

Participants will learn about the importance of grading grain, grain grading standards, proper sampling techniques, how to identify the different types of damage that occur and their potential impacts on grade and feeding value, she said. They will work hands-on with grain samples to enhance the learning experience.

The training begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. each day followed by the program from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 6500 W. Amarillo Blvd. in Amarillo.

The registration fee of $75 will cover costs associated with instruction, lunch, materials and equipment, Jones said. Preregistration is required as each workshop is limited to 40 participants. The last day for registration is April 27.

To register, go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu and click on the link in the Upcoming Events section. While this is the preferred method of registration and payment, payment also can be made at the door by registered participants, she said.

Course instructors in addition to Jones will be Gale Calkins, Federal Grain Inspection Service retiree, Wichita, Kansas; Mark Welch, AgriLife Extension economist-grain marketing and policy, College Station; Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, Amarillo; and Jourdan Bell, AgriLife Extension agronomist, Amarillo.

Six certified crop adviser continuing education units in crop management will be offered each day. Feedlot employees will receive Beef Quality Assurance credit.

The grain grading workshops are co-sponsored by the Panhandle Grain and Feed Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association and AgriLife Extension.

For more information, contact Kim Garcia at 806-677-5600 or [email protected].