We are now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 Pasture to Packer Program.
Applications (including loan applications) need to be completed and in the Extension office by August 26, 2017.
Download P2P Application. Download Loan Application.
The program, offered through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Erath County and Erath 4-H, is designed to teach youth:
- the economic and production facets of an agricultural project
- valuable leadership skills.
- loan application process
- marketing strategies
After acceptance to the program, the participants begin working with Lone Star Ag Credit, to request their loan for their animal cost and feed. They will learn
- the proper way to fill out a loan application
- how to work thru a projected cash flow
- record book requirements
In September, participants select steers from a pre-sorted group of commercial calves weighing between 700 – 750 pounds. After selection, they participate in processing their calf, while learning
- chute-side manner
- vaccination protocols
- animal health and diseases
The participants will have their calves on feed for 150 days. They will have to keep records on feed performance and cost associated with the project. Each participant will have a check-in and weigh-in on the project at various times throughout the feeding period.
During the feeding period, the group will participate in educational seminars focusing on
- marketing
- nutrition
- animal husbandry
- meat science
Erath Pasture to Packer Program has partnered with Tarleton State University Meat Department to harvest the cattle in February 2018.
Youth will bring their animals together for a live evaluation at the conclusion of the feeding program. After the cattle are harvested, the participants will learn about carcass quality, grading and cuts of meat. They will then be responsible for marketing their carcass. The proceeds of the carcass sales will be used to pay back the loan.
In April, the awards banquet is held to
- recognize the youth, sponsors, and volunteers
- present awards to the winners of each category in each age group
- present trophy buckles to the Champion and Reserve Champion winners in each age group
- celebrate while sharing a beef dinner
This program gives the participants full responsibility from the purchasing decision to the marketing.
If you are someone you know is interested in participating in this year’s Pasture to Pasture Program, contact the Erath Extension Office for more information at 254-965-1460 or erath-tx@tamu.edu.
Download P2P Application. Download Loan Application.
Applications (including loan applications) need to be completed and in the Extension office by August 26, 2017.
This program is not designed to profit the child a great deal in a monetary sense. It is designed to give them a very valuable hands-on, learning experience—from bank visits, to daily care of their cattle, combined with the marketing side and industry knowledge of where and how our food is processed.
