AN 320 - Cow-calf Management

3 Credits

This course is a detailed study of a Canadian ranch operation including the day to day duties, planning and strategic management. Lecture sessions are used to investigate good management practices along with new ideas within the industry. Students are encouraged to use their own practical experience in lecture as they investigate, develop and discuss working plans that can be implemented into a current operation.

Rationale:

This is course for students in the Beef Science Major of the Animal Science Technology program. A thorough understanding of the relationship of economics, nutrition, breeding, genetics, facilities and health care is needed to make sound management decisions in a cow/calf operation.

Prerequisites: AN 315  or AN 316  
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

1. identify the key indicators for success in a cow-calf operation.
2. describe the economic impact of various management strategies on the profitability of a cow-calf operation.
3. evaluate strategic business decisions in cow-calf production relating to economies of scale, input costs, and fixed costs.
4. formulate risk management strategies for dealing with market and production related challenges.
5. develop a herd management plan including strategies that address nutrition and health issues in a cow-calf operation.
6. outline various government and industry programs related to food safety, product traceability and carcass quality.
7. generate innovative strategies for increasing the sustainability of the beef industry in the global market.
8. describe various financing alternatives for funding operations in a cow-calf operation.

Alberta Agriculture. (2008). The beef cow-calf manual (4th ed.). Alberta Agriculture and

Food Information Packaging Centre.

 

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:

This course contains approximately 42 lecture hours. The lecture portion provides notes and discussion on various topics in the operation and future of ranch operation and management. Proper clothing for outdoor lectures is the responsibility of the student and must be maintained in a clean and appropriate manner.

The term project for this course allows students to analyze all aspects of a cow-calf operation, from budget, nutrition, management, and the general operation of ranch. Each student will be required to complete the term project in order to complete the course.

Classroom and laboratory attendance is considered vital to the learning process and as significant to the students’ evaluation as examinations and reports.

1. Students having a combination of excused and/or unexcused absence of 20 percent or higher for the scheduled course hours will be required to withdraw and will automatically receive a “RW” (required withdrawal) for the course, regardless of any other evaluation results. (RW is a failing grade.).
2. An excused absence is one that is verified with your instructor. Verification should be prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence. Verification of the absence may take the form of a note from your doctor/College nurse regarding illness, or a note from another Instructor regarding a field trip or other activity, or authorization by your instructor. An unexcused absence is anything NOT verified by the instructor prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence.

It is the students’ responsibility to know their own absentee record.

Normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with potential for evening courses, exams or extended field trips. Students are expected to be available for classes during these times.

Content of Course:
 

1. Economics and Business Management
2. Low Input vs. High Input Systems
3. Managing Risk on the Ranch
4. Genetic Progress of the Cow Herd
5. Government and Industry Programs and Service