– Stan Smith, PA, Fairfield County
Saying it simply, the objective of the 2016 edition of BEEF 509 remains “to raise awareness about the food we produce – BEEF.” Having been privileged to participate in one of the first classes of BEEF 509 eighteen years ago, I can testify that it, indeed, accomplishes ‘awareness’ for those who participate, and much more!
Held on the campus of The Ohio State University in the Department of Animal Sciences building, BEEF 509 is a fast-paced two day educational program featuring classroom lectures along with hands-on learning sessions and activities. Participants will have the opportunity to actually track an animal from an auction market setting until it becomes a beef product on a plate.
BEEF 509 is designed to raise participants’ awareness level about the production of beef as a food, and the reasons why it might at times miss its mark with the consumer, the market place, or sometimes both. Production practices that may create quality defects and reduce wholesale values are investigated by first observing live animals of different genetic backgrounds and phenotypic makeup, then harvesting them, breaking the carcasses into wholesale cuts of meat, bone and fat and, finally, evaluating the resulting product for taste, tenderness and juiciness. By actually evaluating carcass differences after beginning with observation of the live animal, participants will more easily gain an understanding of how these differences translate to economic value and how their farm management decisions can impact their bottom line.
More specifically, topics throughout the two day experience will include:
• Beef Harvesting Procedures and Innovations
• Carcass Aging
• Grid Pricing
• Beef Industry Update
• Taste Panel and Shear Force Evaluation
• Genetic and Environmental Carcass Merit Factors
• Beef Carcass Grading and Fabrication
• Live, Carcass and Boxed-Beef Evaluation and Value
Regardless your involvement in the beef cattle industry – be it commercial or seedstock producer, packer, retailer or student – I’m confident you’ll find BEEF 509 to be a “hands on” experience unequaled by any other program in which you’ve participated.
If you’re serious about your specific place in the future of Ohio’s beef cattle industry, make plans now to attend the 2016 version of BEEF 509 on Saturdays February 20 and 27. Please note its important participants are able to attend each session as teams will be created that will work together during each day of the program. The live animal evaluation, auction and grid discussion will take place on February 20. Carcass grading and fabrication are among the activities planned for February 27.
A maximum of 32 spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee for each BEEF 509 participant is $150. The program is the result of a partnership with the Ohio Beef Council, The Ohio State University Extension, and The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences who will be funding all remaining costs associated with the BEEF 509 program.
For more information, or to request a registration form, email beef@ohiobeef.org or contact the Ohio Beef Council by phone at: 614-873-6736.